At least 118 foreign students studying at different universities in Texas have had their United States legal status revoked as of Thursday, reports several local media outlets.
The students were recently informed that either their visas were revoked or their immigration status was closed in SEVIS — the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System — as per The Texas Tribune, which was quoted by Xinhua news agency.
Among the affected institutions, both the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at Arlington each saw at least 27 students removed from SEVIS. Another 10 students from the University of Texas at El Paso were also affected, as reported by local outlet KFOX14. Other universities reportedly impacted include UT-Dallas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UT-Rio Grande Valley, and Texas Woman’s University.
Immigration lawyers have complained about the procedure. Phillip Rodriguez clarified that students whose names are dropped from SEVIS will either have to leave the nation or seek status reinstatement. But he reiterated that being dropped from SEVIS — as opposed to having one's visa technically revoked — entails a more burdensome and stringent appeals process.
"It seems they're taking proactive measures to render it practically impossible for these students to pursue their studies without some intervention," opined attorney Robert Hoffman.
The effects of SEVIS removal go beyond the academic. In Hoffman's view, it can also impact the work authorization of a student as well as threaten the legal status of dependents, including spouses and children, who are supported by the main visa holder's status.
This follows more general scrutiny of foreign students. According to reports, since the administration of former President Donald Trump, dozens of foreign students at several U.S. universities have been expelled from SEVIS — some for association with pro-Palestinian campus demonstrations, others for minor offenses like traffic citations.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security added to the controversy this week, announcing on Wednesday that it will start monitoring international students' social media posts for what it terms "antisemitic" content.
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