Education

The Trump administration has revoked visa for international college students at a variety of Ohio universities.

Ohio State University, Kent State University, the University of Cincinnati and the University of Akron all have had international students whose visas have been revoked recently by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

At least seven Ohio State students have had their visas revoked as of Monday.

“At this time, we do not have any indication why this action was taken,” university spokesperson Ben Johnson said in an email. “The students remain in the United States. The students, their attorneys and Ohio State are considering next steps.”

The New York Times has reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered diplomats overseas to go through the social media of student visa applicants to identify those who have criticized the United States and Israel and potentially bar them from entering the country.

“The speech of people on student visas is still protected, but it doesn’t always protect their immigration status,” the Times reports on the legality of Trump’s immigration crackdown. “International students are especially vulnerable to deportation because of the temporary nature of their legal status.”

A Kent State international student and three recent graduates with Optional Practical Training post-graduate work permits have also had their visas revoked, according to a letter last week from university president Todd Diacon.

“We are working to connect with each of these individuals to ensure they are aware of this change in their status,” Diacon said in his letter. “Kent State was not given advanced notice nor specific reasons for these decisions.”

Federal authorities have revoked the visas of “a small number of international students here at UC,” according to a letter from University of Cincinnati President Neville G. Pinto. 

“UC representatives are in touch with each of our impacted students, and we are doing what we can to support them during this incredibly challenging time,” Pinto said. “While we are aware that this is happening at universities across the nation, we have not been contacted by authorities, nor have we been given specific reasons for these revocations.”

Two Akron students had their visas revoked, according to Signal Akron. The university did not respond to the questions from the Capital Journal. 

Many international students across the United States have had their visas revoked. The Trump administration issued an executive order on his first day in office ordering the State Department to review all visa programs and make sure foreign nationals do not pose a threat to national security. 

Bowling Green State University said it was notaware of any international students who have had their visas revoked.

Central State University, Cleveland State University, Miami University, Ohio University, Shawnee State University, the University of Toledo, Wright State University, and Youngstown University did not respond to the Capital Journal’s questions by deadline. 

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This story is provided by Ohio Capital Journal, a part of States Newsroom, a national 501 (c)(3) nonprofit. See the original story here.