21 SUNY student visas have already been revoked. What could this mean for students here at SUNY Cortland?
In a sweeping federal action, at least 21 international students across the State University of New York (SUNY) system have experienced changes to their visa statuses, with several facing revocation, according to university officials. This development is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration, which has seen over 300 student visas canceled nationwide, citing concerns over alleged anti-Israel activities and social media content deemed antisemitic.
Stony Brook University reported that 11 of its international students had their visas revoked in April. The students were given 15 days to self-deport or appeal. Students claim that the Office of Global Affairs has largely left students to “fend for themselves.”
Several student organizations at the University, such as SUNY BDS, Stony Brook Socialists, and Stony Brook Students for Justice in Palestine, have organized various rallies in efforts to protect their classmates’ rights.
In their Call-to-Action Statement, the organizations stated, “We will not stand idly by as these indiscriminate intimidation tactics threaten our international and undocumented students and staff, who are some of the most vulnerable members of our community!”
Binghamton University confirmed that five of its students had their visas revoked, according to the student-run newspaper, Pipe Dream. A SUNY spokesperson told Pipe Dream that the university system is “monitoring this evolving situation and working with campuses to ensure our students know their rights,”. SUNY is referring students to the New York State Office for New Americans for legal support and guidance on continuing their education.
Binghamton Students joined local community activists Tuesday, April 15 to protest the redirection of tax dollars to social programs. However, student turnout was less than expected due to fear of possible repercussions from the Trump Administration.
A member of the local activist group, Veterans for Peace, explained, “There were students who were to be here today, and they’re basically in hiding because of the intimidation of the United States government under the Trump regime and, of course, the attorney general.”
SUNY Plattsburgh acknowledged that one student is set to be deported following the revocation of their visa. The international student, a member of the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS), was told that the Trump administration had revoked their student visa via email.
SUNY officials have expressed concern over the lack of transparency and due process in these revocations.
Some students had had their visas revoked due to apparent parking violations or misdemeanors, which has raised questions about the role played by university administrations.
The Trump administration’s policy allows immigration authorities to deny or revoke visas based on individuals’ social media activity, particularly content perceived as antisemitic or supportive of terrorist organizations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that this measure aims to prevent individuals who advocate violence or support terrorist ideologies from entering or remaining in the U.S. .
None of the affected Stony Brook students had been known to be involved in on-campus activism, union organizing, or political speech on social media. According to sbgrad4palenstine student Instagram pages, “Their purpose is to sow fear and chaos by targeting students at random for minor violations.”
Some students had had their visas revoked due to apparent parking violations or misdemeanors, which has raised questions about the role played by university administrations.
However, critics argue that the policy infringes upon free speech rights and disproportionately targets students based on their political beliefs. This follows the visa revocation of Pro-Palestinian activists like Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University graduate student who was arrested and detained because of his pro-Palestinian activism, and Rumeysa Ozturk, PhD student at Tufts University, whose revoked visa was due to her pro-Palestinian activism.
Civil rights groups and academic organizations, including the American Association of University Professors, have filed lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the administration’s actions.
While there haven’t been any official reports of student visa revocation here at SUNY Cortland, international students and visa holders could be at risk of possible deportation.
Students must know their rights. If you or anyone you know may be affected by these policies, see the link below.
What Rights Do Green Card Holders and Foreign Students Have in the U.S.?
As the situation unfolds, universities across the nation, including those in the SUNY system, are grappling with the implications of the federal crackdown. Student activists are needed more than ever to support their international student communities amid growing uncertainty.
Visa revocation is not just a national issue, but a local issue that could affect students here at SUNY Cortland.
“Staying out of political activism does not keep anyone out of harm’s way; rather, being involved helps us collectively fight for our demands,” says Global Voices SBU.