Trump Administration revokes student visas for 15 YSU students
The Trump Administration has now canceled the visas of at least 529 students, faculty and researchers across 88 colleges and universities.
That's according to a data review by CNN.
Early high-profile student deportation cases in February and March saw the government cancel the visas of students tied to pro-Palestine protests and detain them. However, universities impacted say it does not appear that federal law enforcement is detaining the students and university personnel whose visas have been canceled.
What is unclear is whether students with terminated visas can stay to continue their education, or immediately leave the country.
The US State Department is manually terminating records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
However, officials are not informing most schools or students about their visa cancellations.
Universities have discovered them by checking the system.
Some of the students have no criminal records.
Others face the possibility of having to return home due to convictions on relatively minor offenses.
Immigration attorneys say offenses like years-old misdemeanors generally do not lead to removal.
"It's certainly a lot of information to digest," said YSU International Student Organization president Manav Desai.
Some 15 students at YSU are among those who have had their visas revoked by the Trump Administration.
Desai says perhaps the only thing greater than the shock is the confusion about what's happening and why.
"The most important part about this is the uncertainty about who might get impacted next, because nobody knows the criteria or the measures that have been taken," Desai said.
YSU president Bill Johnson said in a letter to those students that the university and ISO are here to support them.
He added that there are conversations with federal elected officials and agencies for a roadmap on how to proceed.
Johnson went on to say that while the news may be unsettling, US immigration laws must be followed.
He said "we remain committed to helping each and every one of you succeed in your academic journey."
Desai tells 21 News that as the entire international community at YSU stands in solidarity with the affected students, he's confident in Johnson's promise.
"The International Programs Office and the president's office, dean of students, everybody is working with us constantly, giving us assurance, trying to solve all our doubts and inquiries in this moment of unrest."
Desai says that confidence goes for the institutions of the United States - the students' second home - as well.
Thrive Mahoning Valley, a nonprofit that helps immigrants settle into American communities, released the following statement in response to this situation:
"We stand committed to helping any international student that is in need at this time. If you or someone you know has had their student visa revoked without warning, please reach out. We can connect you with attorneys and provide information on your rights immediately at info@thrivemv.org".
