Texas: A wave of students’ visa cancellation has sent sugars through the international students community in the United States, Texas is still emerging as the most affected state.
More than 122 international students have allegedly canceled their visas or their immigration status has been abolished. These changes have been made by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which indicates a serious threat to their legal position in the country.
Authorities have not yet issued official explanation for this sudden change. However, immigration experts suggest that the move can be linked to tightening immigration policies, increasing social media monitoring and some political motivations.
According to the data available, the infected universities in Texas include:
- University of North Texas (UNT): 27 students
- Texas University of Arlington: 27 students
- Texas A & M University: 23 students
- Texas University in Dallas: 19 students
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: nine students
- Texas Women’s University: Four Students
- Texas Tech University: Three Students
- Texas University in El Passo: 10 students
In addition, Texas University at Austin and Houston University has also confirmed the changes in the immigration status of some international students, though the exact number has not been disclosed.
According to the Vice Chairman of the Faculty Senate at North Texas University, the status of 16 students was initially abolished, which later reached 27. The majority of the affected students are of a graduate level, and university officials confirm that they are actively interacting with these students.
In a recent statement, the US Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will begin monitoring international students’ social media accounts, which it has called “anticic” content.
The move is followed by two executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, which indicates stringent measures in response to Palestinian protests on the college campus-most of them in Texas.
Naeem Sikhiya, an immigration attorney based in Dallas, said: “Removing the seawas offers the legal right to the student’s appointed process. He removes them from the immigration system without proper explanation.”
According to Sakhiya, losing the status of SEES not only eliminates the student’s educational route, but also endanger the legal status of those who rely like spouses and children.
He explained that the affected students were left with very limited options because they could either leave the country or apply for a long, uncertain and complex legal process.
Nevertheless, Sakhiya emphasized that students who receive such notices should immediately contact their designated school official (DSO) and find the possibility of rehabilitation. He advised, “Although this is a long and uncertainty, it is still able to pursue it.”
Meanwhile, according to US media reports, most of the students affected by the visa cancellation are from South Asian countries and the Middle East.
Several affected students and their lawyers are considering legal action to challenge the decision in court. Meanwhile, a social media campaign with hash tag is demanding justice and help for international students with hash tags.
A spokesman for the University of Texas in Dallas commented: “This is a developing situation, and we are in a constant contact with the affected students to guide this uncertainty.”
The University of North Texas added that out of the 27 students removed from Sevis, 19 were a graduate students and a compulsory member of the university’s international educational community.
Texas, which is an important destination for international students in the United States, now seems to be turning into a difficult environment for foreign education seekers.
Experts have warned that if this trend continues, it can close the doors of American higher education to thousands of wishing students around the world. Meanwhile, lawyers have called on the affected students and their families to immediately consult experienced immigration lawyers for further guidance and assistance.
