Visa Revocations Hit Colorado International Students
Ten international students in Colorado have had their F-1 visas revoked as part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on student visas. The affected students include five from Colorado State University (CSU) and four from University of Colorado (CU) campuses.
“At least 10 Colorado university students or recent graduates – half of them Middle Eastern – have had visas revoked,” reported Colorado Public Radio, highlighting the impact on the state’s international student community.
The visa revocations are part of a national effort that has affected over 300 students, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While specific reasons for individual revocations remain unclear, there is speculation that the actions may be linked to students expressing pro-Palestinian views or participating in campus protests.
CSU released a statement addressing the situation: “Our international community is an integral part of Colorado State University, enriching our campus in countless ways. Please know that CSU deeply values our international student population and is committed to supporting you to the best of our abilities.”
Similarly, CU emphasized its support for affected students while maintaining privacy concerns. “Each one of our students are seeking to advance their careers and the lives of their families, and we understand the anxieties that visa revocations cause to impacted students,” the university stated.
The national context of these revocations was underscored by Secretary Rubio’s comments: “We gave you a visa to come and study and get a degree, not to become a social activist that tears up our university campuses. And if we’ve given you a visa, and then you decide to do that, we’re going to take it away.”
Immigration attorney Brian Green highlighted the severe consequences for affected students. “If they stay and fight, eventually the government’s gonna pick them up and put them in detention. And if you’re a 20-year-old college student, if you’re a 23-year-old grad student, I don’t think you want to go and live in jail,” he told CBS News.
The revocations raise concerns about academic freedom and free speech on campuses. Both universities have advised affected students to contact their respective embassies and campus international student offices for support.
As the situation continues to unfold, the impact on international students, university finances, and the broader academic community remains a subject of ongoing concern and debate.
