Dozens of student visas have been revoked across several top California universities, signaling what many believe is the beginning of tighter immigration controls under the Trump administration.
Students and university officials alike are grappling with the sudden enforcement, which has left many international scholars confused and displaced.
The visa cancellations affected major schools such as UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, and Stanford.
While no detailed explanation has been offered by the federal government, the action has raised concerns about fairness and the future of international students in the United States.
At UCLA, at least nine students have been affected, according to campus student and faculty groups.
It remains unclear if any of the students were detained or questioned by authorities.
Meanwhile, UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla confirmed that five student visas were revoked with no prior notice.
“The university received the notification without warning,” he said in a message to the campus community.
A sixth student was detained at the border, denied entry, and then deported to their home country.
Khosla emphasized that “the federal government has not explained the reasons behind these terminations.”
The current wave of visa cancellations appears to have started with no formal warning, and university leaders are struggling to offer support amidst the chaos.
UC Berkeley reported at least six visa terminations four of which involved current students, while the remaining two were recent graduates.
A school spokesperson described the issue as “a fluid situation.”
Similarly, UC Davis announced the termination of visas for seven students and five recent graduates.
In their statement, the university reassured the public: “Federal agents have not entered our campus, and they have not placed any member of our community in custody.”
Reports from UC Irvine confirmed that visa terminations also occurred there, although campus officials declined to offer specifics.
Stanford University officials also acknowledged that four students and two recent graduates lost their visa status, though no information was given on whether any detentions occurred.
The University of California issued a broader statement acknowledging the issue.
“We are aware that international students across several of our campuses have been impacted by recent SEVIS terminations,” referring to the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System database.
The university added that it is “committed to doing what we can to support all members of our community.”
While some believe these actions are linked to student involvement in pro-Palestinian protests, this remains unclear.
A UC official confirmed that affected students at UC San Diego were not involved in any activism.
Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin stated that each case would have to be examined individually, but did not give more clarity.
At USC, which hosts the largest international student population in California, officials refused to disclose whether any of their students were affected.
“The university does not disclose information about the status of individual student visas,” a spokesperson said.
Last month, the Trump administration had accused certain international students especially those participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations of supporting Hamas, a group designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization.
This marked a controversial shift in how visa eligibility could be influenced by campus activism and speech.
Despite the confusion and rising fear among international students, student leaders at UCLA have expressed strong support.
In a joint statement, Undergraduate Student Association Council President Adam Tfayli and International Student Representative Syed Tamim Ahmad said,
“We understand these are deeply uncertain times… To every international student reading this: You belong here.”
They further stated, “Your presence at UCLA makes this campus stronger, richer, and more beautiful. Our offices will continue to stand, speak, and advocate for you — loudly and unapologetically.”
However, with no formal answers yet offered by immigration officials, many believe the current wave of student visa revocations is a sign of things to come.
The use of mass cancellations without explanation is not only alarming but also potentially damaging to the academic and emotional lives of the students involved.
Therefore, as the government continues to reshape its immigration stance, affected students are left in limbo.
