RICHMOND, Va. — In a wave of visa revocations that has impacted hundreds across the United States, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) students and an alumnus are among those affected. The recent move by the Trump administration has raised concerns about the targeting of international students, as visa revocations extend beyond those allegedly involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
According to reports by The Hill, the administration’s crackdown on immigration now includes international students at colleges nationwide. In some cases, even minor infractions like traffic violations have led to visa cancellations. The effort to revoke visas has prompted universities across the country to check immigration databases to ensure their students are still authorized to remain in the U.S.
At VCU, a public university in Richmond, a university spokesperson confirmed that two students and one recent graduate had their visas revoked. Due to privacy laws, the university declined to provide further details regarding the affected individuals. In response to the ongoing situation, VCU leadership sent an email to all international students and employees. The message advised recipients to be aware of their rights and reminded them to carry their documents at all times, though it emphasized that the information provided was not legal advice.
The wave of visa revocations is not isolated to VCU. Other Virginia institutions are similarly impacted. At Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, WFXR reported that nine individuals—seven students and two alumni—have also had their visas revoked. Meanwhile, the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville confirmed that one of its students had their visa revoked as of April 4. UVA has stated that they are in touch with the affected student to offer support during this difficult time.
The Trump administration’s expanded efforts to revoke visas are seen by many as part of a broader push to crack down on immigration. The revocations have sparked concerns among international students and universities, as many face uncertainty regarding their ability to continue their studies in the U.S.
As universities grapple with the implications of these revocations, the need for clear communication and legal support for international students has become more apparent than ever. The situation raises questions about the future of international education in the United States and the broader impact on academic communities across the country.
In the meantime, institutions like VCU, Virginia Tech, and UVA are working to support their international students and ensure they are equipped with the necessary information to navigate the legal complexities they now face.
