VCU students, alum among hundreds hit by Trump ‘visa purge’
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) students and an alumnus are among the hundreds of people having their visas revoked amid what outlets like The Hill are calling a "visa purge" by the Trump administration.
In recent days, President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration has expanded to international students enrolled in colleges across the United States. Per The Hill, this effort has expanded beyond those who were reportedly involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
"International students are seeing their visas revoked for infractions as minor as traffic violations, while colleges are having to check immigration databases to find out whether their students are still allowed to be in the country," wrote Lexi Lonas Chocran with The Hill.
8News reached out to VCU in Richmond to learn if any of its students had been impacted. According to a university spokesperson, two students and one recent graduate have had their visas revoked.
The spokesperson could not provide any additional information due to privacy laws.
IN BLACKSBURG: Virginia Tech students among 300 nationwide with revoked international visas
8News obtained an email reportedly sent to all international students and employees by VCU leadership. In that email, the university advises recipients of their rights and encourages them to carry their documents.
The university clarifies that this information is provided for educational purposes and is not legal advice.
8News has reached out to VCU for a statement on this situation and is waiting to hear back.
VCU is not the only Virginia university being impacted. WFXR reports that a total of nine people -- seven students and two alumni -- have had their visas revoked at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.
Additionally, the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville recently issued a statement saying that, as of April 4, one of its students had been impacted. The university said it was "in touch with the student to offer support."
