‘It’s anti-American’: VCU students have visas revoked in nationwide immigration crackdown

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Two students and one alum affiliated with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) are among hundreds nationwide whose visas have recently been revoked, in what many immigration advocates are calling a “visa purge.”

The revocations come as part of a broader immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump's administration, which has increasingly targeted international students and visa holders.

VCU confirmed that two current international students and one recent graduate lost their visas.

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In an email obtained by 8News sent to all international students, the university’s Global Education Office warned international students to carry their immigration documents with them at all times. The message noted that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are permitted to approach individuals in public and request to see their papers, even without a warrant.

VCU GEO email sent to all international VCU students obtained by 8News

VCU GEO email sent to all international VCU students obtained by 8News

Immigration attorney Nash Fayad, who spoke with 8News, said that while many assume a valid visa guarantees protection, that’s not the case.

“Immigration has the right to revoke visas if they believe there's a reason,” Fayad explained. “There are different ways to challenge those, but does the government have the right to revoke it? Yes, unfortunately.”

Fayad said the trend is already having a chilling effect on students, particularly those nearing graduation.

“This is a huge thing for these students,” he said. “Especially those who lost years trusting our system — they come here, pay their money, and then are suddenly told they have to leave.”

According to Fayad, this "visa purge" is also problematic because of the message it appears to send.

"Silencing international students based on political, racial, national background ... is a terrible thing -- it's anti-American," he said.

The reinstatement process for a revoked visa is often long, complex and offers no guarantee of success. Fayad said many students are now reconsidering their education plans, with some looking to transfer to other countries.

“International students aren’t going to trust our American systems,” he said. “They come to the United States feeling like they can be expelled for any reason — or no reason — without even being able to defend themselves.”

VCU is not the only Virginia university being impacted. Seven students and two alumni from Virginia Tech, along with one student from the University of Virginia, have also reportedly lost their visas.

According to a report from The Hill, the current wave of visa cancellations began with the targeting of pro-Palestinian student protestors but has since broadened. In many cases, students say their visas were revoked over minor infractions or without any clear explanation.

VCU, in a statement to 8News, said:

“We understand the anxiety and uncertainty these changes cause, and we want to be clear — VCU stands with our international community and all of our people.”

Fayad believes this policy could have long-term consequences not just for international students, but for the country as a whole.

“A lot of professionals excel in the U.S. educational system and go on to work for American companies in medicine, technology and research,” he said. “This will cause us to lose those professionals to contribute to this country."