Brennen Brothers, news editor

On April 11, Dean of Students Michael Grewe sent an email to Augsburg students saying, “Earlier this week, during our daily, routine check of the federal database that tracks the visa status of international students, we became aware that an Augsburg student’s visa had been revoked by the U.S. government without explanation. We immediately notified the student, connected them with an outside legal resource to navigate next steps, and coordinated with their current faculty in order to support their continued academic progress.” At the time of the writing of this article, the student has not been detained or deported. 

Similar events have happened across many colleges throughout the United States. Hundreds of international students have reported to AP News that they have also had their visas revoked by the U.S. government. The Associated Press reviewed university statements and noted that at least 900 students across more than 128 colleges have had their visas revoked.

According to the BBC, many of the international students who have been targeted have participated in pro-Palestinian protests or have a criminal record. The ACLU published a statement online after the arrest and detainment of Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate of Columbia University. The statement says that this is a First Amendment violation, “The First Amendment does not allow the government to retaliate against anyone for their speech. Ripping someone from their home, stripping them of their immigration status, and detaining them solely based on political viewpoint is a clear attempt by President Trump to silence dissent.”

Immigration Attorney Jath Shao stated to NBC News that students cannot appeal visa revocations, but they can reapply. Students will be able to stay in the country for as long as they don’t leave and re-enter. However, Shao continues to share that many international students’ legal statuses were terminated, which could subject them to detention and deportation. He finishes by saying that the government normally doesn’t have the right to remove legal status without acts of crime, violence, unauthorized work or dropping out of school.

Augsburg Director of Public Relations Rachel Farris shared in an interview with the Echo about what Augsburg is doing in reaction to the recent events, “Augsburg, like other schools, has implemented daily checks of the federal database that tracks visa status to monitor for new changes. Our focus remains on ensuring that all our students—including international students—have the information, resources, and support they need to navigate the changing landscape and succeed in their education.” She finishes the interview by stating that Augsburg will connect the students with legal resources and work with faculty for any changes.

Grewe ends his email by listing on-campus resources for students, including the Dean of Students Office, International Student and Scholar Services, the Center for Global Education and Experience, Center for Wellness and Counseling and Campus Ministries.