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The Trump administration has cancelled more than 300 international student visas nationwide without warning, including at least nine of UCLAs.
As of Sunday, the federal government had not explained why.
UCLA Prime Minister Julio Frenk addressed these actions in an update to the Bruin community on Sunday, saying the termination and withdrawal “reasonably generated many questions.”
The statement said at least six current students and six former students were affected by government actions.
At UCLA, the Prime Minister explained that students with international visas will be entered into web-based students and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
The system is used and monitored by the US Department of Homeland Security and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
According to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website, SEVP “becoming a student is the main reason to come to the United States and act as a bridge for government organizations that are interested in information about non-immigration.”
The Prime Minister’s message specified during a routine audit of Sevis Records that UCLA officials learned that SEVP had ended SEVIS status for six current students.
“SEVP has also concluded the status of six former students currently participating in the optional practical training (OPT) program,” he elaborated on the Prime Minister’s statement. “These numbers are fluid and can change.”
The school said the notification of dismissal indicated that these federal actions were due to violations of the terms of the individual’s visa program.
“At this time, UCLA is not aware of federal law enforcement activities on campus related to these terminations,” the prime minister’s memo added.
The federal government has not commented directly on revoking these student visas, but President Trump has repeatedly said he will use his inauguration time to implement his administration’s immigration policies.
Additionally, at the top of the ICE there is a yellow banner with the exclamation point symbol that you will report here if you know of a student visa scam or non-immigrant student working illegally in the US.
“I have a great belief in legitimate processes and it appears that these terminations took place without legitimate procedures,” said Adam Tfayli, UCLA student body.
Tfayli, who is also an international student, said that non-international students are concerned about the scope of these terminations.
“A lot of people are concerned about legality,” Tfayli told KTLA’s Carlos Saucort. “We don’t have much information about what’s going on or why it’s going on.”
Regarding the local effect of termination of these student visas, Prime Minister Frenk said he recognizes UCLA staff as being able to evoke feelings of “risqué uncertainty and anxiety” in the community.
“I want immigrants and international UCLA students, staff and faculty to support their ability to work, learn, teach and thrive here,” the Prime Minister’s message continued. “You’re not alone. You belong to UCLA and you’re an important part of our community.”
Click here to view the Prime Minister’s full message. This includes resources for students and others affected.
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