Courtesy of Kentucky Lantern
Another international student’s visa has been revoked in Kentucky, this time at Murray State University.
According to local news reports, Murray State shared information about the student’s visa being revoked by the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday. A university spokesperson declined to give further information to protect the student’s privacy.
The news comes amid Trump administration efforts to ramp up deportations. Inside Higher Ed reported that as of Friday, more than 1,550 international students and recent graduates have had their legal status changed by the U.S. State Department.
Murray State College Democrats penned an open letter criticizing the university administration for not alerting students sooner to the visa revocation and asking for clearer information about the university’s response. “To be clear, we are not asking that personal information be released, just notification of when law enforcement is present and/or actively targeting students on campuses,” the letter says.
The College Democrats said students and their families choose colleges like Murray because they trust they will be safe there and that Murray “boasts about having international students from over 50 different countries.”
“Every student that seeks to learn at MSU has the right to do so without fear of persecution,” the letter reads. “Actions taken by administration are the only way to prove that the university cares about and will protect those rights.”
Murray State has confirmed the visa revocation. A university spokesperson said: “University officials are in touch with the student to assist and offer our support. Our International Student Office has remained in touch with our international students to answer any questions they may have and offer their support, including reminders such as having their immigration documents and passports available, and staying up to date with issued travel advisories. We encourage our international students to reach out to our International Student Office with any concerns or questions as we continue to assist them.”
Earlier this month, the University of Kentucky reported a “small number” of graduate students had their visas revoked by the Department of Homeland Security. Officials from private Campbellsville University told Inside Higher Ed that some of its’ international students had their visas revoked but declined to say how many.
Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
