After originally saying “a few” international students had their visas revoked, the University of Wyoming clarified to Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday that the number is between six to 10 students.
Chad Baldwin, a spokesperson for the university, did not have any information about what reasons were given for the revocations, what countries the students are from or if they are still on campus.
Baldwin said Tuesday “with some certainty” that there has not been any physical detainment of a student on campus since President Donald Trump’s administration rescinded a former President Joe Biden-era policy that protected certain areas — such as churches, schools and hospitals — from immigration enforcement.
The visa revocations are part of a nationwide sweep the Trump administration has been making to crack down on immigration. According to The Associated Press, at least 600 students at more than 90 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated in recent weeks, according to a review of university statements and correspondence with school officials.
According to UPI, initially, visa revocations were focused on students who engaged in some kind of political speech, but this has since expanded to students who do not appear to have engaged in such speech or participated in protests. This includes lawful infractions, minor or major, that may or may not have resulted in an arrest or even charges being prosecuted.
State Rep. Tom Kelly, R-Sheridan, a professor at the American Military University, said he supports visa revocations for students who commit infractions.
“I think it’s fair game,” he said. “There’s so many people who want to get into this country. I think it’s fair game to kick them out.”
He also feels the same about extreme Islamic speech, which he sees as a legitimate threat to American security.
But when it comes to political speech Trump doesn’t agree with, Kelly believes that’s a bridge too far.
“If it’s something the president doesn’t like, that’s not fair game,” he said.
Baldwin said federal immigration officials have not communicated with the university about why the visas were revoked, which appears to be in line with what’s happening at universities across the country.
The school has provided guidance to employees on potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visits, telling staff to not interfere, but also to ask for ICE agents’ credentials and reject any subpoenas or warrants on behalf of anybody else.
The university provided an update to its staff on the situation with the international students Wednesday, but said little about what position, if any, the university has about the matter.
“The university’s leadership, faculty, staff and community continue to value and support our international students,” the memo reads. “We will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide timely updates.”
The Situation At UW
Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it will begin screening the social media activity of noncitizens for antisemitism as part of its visa vetting process. According to DHS, the initiative is aimed at identifying those who pose threats to public safety or national security.
Last spring, a vigil honoring those killed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was held on the UW campus.
Kelly isn’t aware of any students or teachers having their visas revoked at his school. He has received some pressure, however, to change the name of one of his classes, Diversity in Policies, out of concerns it could run afoul of new anti-diversity, equity and inclusion mandates. Kelly is pushing back on this pressure.
The UW memo also explains that most international students at UW are studying on F-1 visas, which allows students studying at an accredited college or university to work during their studies and be graduate assistants. Upon completion of their studies, they may be employed as a part of an optional training benefit.
Fewer international individuals are at UW on J-1 visas, which are for people participating in some type of exchange programs designated by the Department of State. This includes students, post-doctorate studies and other visiting scholars.
All F-1 and J-1 records are maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is a Department of Homeland Security program. The records are maintained by designated school officials at every school. At UW, these records are maintained in the International Students and Scholars office.
How It Works
Steve Kotecki, a public affairs officer for ICE’s Denver office, said his agency does not revoke visas — that falls to the State Department for information and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Kotecki also said that it’s not within the Department of Homeland Security’s purview to comment on the details of any student’s specific case or visa revocation; however, if someone remains in the United States without lawful immigration status, they may be subject to arrest by an immigration official and placed in removal proceedings.
He said if people have their SEVIS designation terminated or no longer has lawful immigration status because of a visa revocation, they can decide to leave the country voluntarily and there are resources available to assist in that departure.
According to the Homeland Security website, students can have their visas terminated for a variety of reasons that include dropping below a full course load, expulsion, denied extensions, failure to enroll, getting suspended from classes, and seeking unauthorized employment or withdrawals.
Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder said national security should take priority over the interests of international students. She believes Trump's policies are common sense but hopes students that are eligible to stay are given an opportunity to do so.
"We value the contributions of international students- but we value national security more," she said. "Under President Trump, the rules are clear: if you're here legally, welcome. If not, don't expect a free pass."
Leo Wolfson can be reached at leo@cowboystatedaily.com.
