Student visas revoked across borderland universities

UPDATE: The University of Texas at El Paso says 10 students had their visas revoked.

"We became aware of the visa terminations through status changes in the Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program database. UTEP has not received any official notification from DHS about these visa terminations. We are looking at each case individually and we will provide assistance to students as appropriate.”

ABC-7 reached out to EPCC who says, "To my knowledge, we have not had any students visas revoked."

Students across campuses are expressing concern over the news.

"If a student has a visa, that means that they're, you know, doing the right thing and going the right way to come to the United States and get a higher education. I don't think anybody should be getting their visas revoked, especially if they are students and they are trying to bring a change to to this country," says a UTEP student.

"Our government being like, okay, you're getting your education and then, you know, taking that away from you because education is power and taking that from somebody is taking away their power," a student at NMSU told ABC-7.

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- NMSU Interim Provost & Chief Academic Officer Lakshmi N. Reddi sent out a message to campus alerting people that several international students have had their visas revoked.

"I can confirm that NMSU is aware at this time of six individuals who have had their visas revoked by the federal administration," an NMSU spokesperson stated this morning.

"The many recent Executive Orders from the Federal Government and the news reports of visa revocations and terminations of eligibility for student status (I-20) have undoubtedly caused concern, confusion, and uncertainty," Reddi stated at the beginning of the letter.

Reddi says that NMSU is closely monitoring the situation and following updates from international organizations. Reddi added that President Valerio Ferme has created a task force to analyze the impact of the Executive Orders on NMSU's operations and students. The task force is also looking for solutions to continue fulfilling the university's mission, and providing support for those impacted.

"We suggest that international students take the following practical steps to be compliant with immigration records:"

• Check Communications. Check for e-mails from ISSS and NMSU regularly for any updates.
• Health and Well-Being. Please check resources for health, well-being, and self-care provided by
  NMSU at https://ohp.nmsu.edu/.
• ISSS Contact Information. Keep the contact details of ISSS staff in case you need help or face
  challenges at the Port of Entry.
• Maintain your Status. Ensure that you enroll full-time each academic semester to maintain your
  F-1 or J- 1 status.
• Obtain ISSS Authorization. Please check with ISSS before you apply for internships, co-ops,
  work authorization, and Reduced Course Load.
• Review Documentation. Be aware of the required documents you must carry while in the U.S.
  and Know Your Rights while studying in the U.S.
• Travel. Obtain travel authorization before you leave the U.S. If you need a visa for re-entry,
  check visa appointment wait times at the local U.S. embassy or consulate and plan accordingly.
• Update Your Local Address. Check my.nmsu.edu and update your local contact information
  within 10 days of moving.
  

Reddi says international students, faculty, and staff with questions can contact isss@nmsu.edu.