Visa Revocation Sparks Concern Among International Students at Arizona Universities
Amidst growing concerns over student visa revocations, the United Campus Workers of Arizona claims that at least 50 international students at Arizona State University have lost their visas due to actions by the Trump administration.
In response, union members gathered to voice their concerns outside the Arizona Board of Regents meeting held at the High Country Conference Center on Northern Arizona University’s campus. The gathering followed a public comment session with the board and university officials.
Marcos Esparza, a graduate student at the University of Arizona and member of the union, expressed dissatisfaction with the universities’ responses, stating, “We would like them to actually speak up in defense of their students and against the current Trump administration and state that their students need to be safe on campus and can’t be at risk of being deported or having their visas revoked.”
The union is pushing for the implementation of new policies that would restrict immigration authorities from accessing Arizona university campuses. They are actively advising international students, although Esparza emphasizes that this should be a responsibility of the university administrations.
Kim Ott, Associate Vice President at NAU, addressed privacy concerns by not disclosing specific visa cancellations but assured that the university is providing individualized support to international students. Ott stated, “We are fully committed to supporting our international students and have been working closely with them on an individual basis to provide information, resources, and guidance tailored to their unique circumstances. This has been an ongoing effort throughout the spring semester.”
Adding to the tension, the U.S. Department of State has revoked over 300 student visas from individuals suspected of criticizing the U.S. and its policies towards Israel.
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