(Thechieftainspear) – Hundreds of international students across the United States have abruptly had their visas revoked by the Trump administration, sparking confusion and concern among affected students and universities. At least a dozen students linked to UCLA are among those impacted by the unexpected move.
UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk issued a message to the campus community on Sunday, acknowledging the visa terminations, which he said had raised many unanswered questions. The university confirmed that six current students and six former students enrolled in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program were affected.
The students’ visa statuses were canceled via the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a federal database managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). SEVIS tracks international students and exchange visitors during their stay in the U.S.
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The university learned about the visa terminations during a routine SEVIS record audit, according to Frenk. The federal notices cited violations of visa terms, though specific details regarding the nature of the alleged violations have not been provided. Officials say the figures are still being updated as more information becomes available.
Despite the federal action, UCLA has not reported any related law enforcement activity on campus.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which oversees SEVP, has not issued a public statement about the mass cancellations. However, the agency’s website currently displays a banner encouraging people to report suspected visa fraud or unauthorized student employment.
UCLA’s student body president, Adam Tfayli, who is also an international student, criticized the lack of transparency and process. “Due process matters,” he told KTLA, emphasizing that both international and domestic students are unsettled by the situation. “There’s a lot of legal ambiguity, and not much clarity about why these actions were taken.”
The development has added stress and uncertainty for many international students at UCLA, and Chancellor Frenk acknowledged the emotional toll it may be taking. He reassured the student body that UCLA remains committed to supporting its international and immigrant community.
“You are a vital part of our Bruin family,” Frenk said in his statement. “We stand with you, and we will continue to advocate for your right to study, teach, and contribute to this university.”
UCLA has provided support resources for those affected, and encourages students with concerns to seek help through the campus’s designated offices.
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