Four international students at Case Western Reserve University recently had their visas revoked as the Trump administration continues its controversial immigration crackdown.
They’re now among the nearly 1,200 students at 180 colleges known to be facing similar fates, according to a tracker compiled by Inside Higher Ed. That list includes nearly 30 students across Ohio, including at Ohio State, Kent State and Bowling Green State universities.
The State Department is revoking student visas for those they believe may be affiliated with groups they deem against America’s foreign policy interests. Several students have already filed lawsuits against the federal government, saying the moves were unprovoked.
Visas are the government documents that allow people from other countries to legally study and/or work in the United States. These documents can be revoked for a number of reasons. But, broadly, people aren’t allowed to stay in the country once a visa is terminated.
In an April 14 email, Case Western Reserve President Kaler called the news about his students “disconcerting.” He said university officials are working with each of those impacted to “provide support and, where possible, legal options.”
No information about what prompted the change
Kaler’s email didn’t note what may have prompted the change in these students’ visa status.
At other colleges nationwide, including Kent State, officials have said these changes happened without any advance warning or rationale.
Last month, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the “overwhelming majority” of international student visas of those currently here won’t be revoked. But he went on to say the federal government is targeting people “who are supportive of movements that run counter to the foreign policy of the United States.”
That’s believed to include those deemed to be outspoken about the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza. Dozens of universities across the country were home to robust pro-Palestianain protests last spring, including Case Western Reserve. A student-led encampment lasted at the University Circle campus for almost two weeks.
Signal Ohio reached out to Case Western Reserve’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter to see if any of their members were among those getting their visas revoked. The group did not respond to a request for comment.
About 17% of Case Western Reserve students are international
International students make up a big part of Case Western Reserve’s student body.
More than 2,080 enrolled at both the undergraduate and graduate levels last fall, according to data shared publicly by the university. That’s about 17% of the university’s 12,620 students.
About half of those students came from countries in East Asia and the Pacific. Others hailed from places in South and Central Asia as well as Africa.
“International students, faculty, staff and postdocs are and will continue to be an essential part of the Case Western Reserve community,” Kaler wrote in his email Monday.
Now, though, their university experience is changing.
Kaler encouraged the university’s current international students and faculty to cancel any international travel plans “until further notice,” adding that they should also “carry evidence of their valid immigration status with them at all times.”
