One of the three Penn students who had their visas revoked earlier this week was an international Graduate School of Education student, according to a Tuesday email from GSE dean Katharine Strunk.
The April 8 message came a day after an email from International Student and Scholar Services announced that the federal government had revoked “at least three” Penn students’ visas and terminated their immigration statuses. Strunk’s email — which was sent to the GSE community — stated that the school was “working closely alongside colleagues across the University to ensure they have access to all available support and resources.”
“I know how unsettling this is, especially for members of our international community. We will continue to keep you informed as much as we can,” Strunk wrote. “This is the first case we’ve encountered at GSE, but it may not be the last.”
A request for comment was left with Strunk. A University spokesperson declined a request for comment.
The revocations at Penn come as 1968 Wharton graduate and President Donald Trump’s second administration cracks down on international scholars across the country. As of publication, over 400 students and alumni at American universities have faced similar actions.
In the email, Strunk encouraged GSE affiliates to “review immigration policy updates” on the ISSS website, which launched a new page on April 6 with guidance for international students on what to do if their visa is revoked.
The wepage states that a visa revocation indicates an individual’s “F-1 or J-1 immigration record is no longer active,” which “usually happens when a student is out of compliance with U.S. immigration rules.”
“A terminated [Student and Exchange Visitor Information System] record means you are out of status and can’t legally study, work, or remain in the U.S.,” the website states. “Depending on the circumstances, you may begin to accumulate unlawful presence from the date of termination.”
The site notes that “In cases triggered by outside agencies, the termination may happen without notice,” also stating that some visa revocations are “automatic and triggered by outside agencies” — including the Department of State or law enforcement databases.
The SEVIS “Terminate a Student” page states that once a student visa is terminated, the individual must leave the United States immediately and cannot reenter the country. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are also authorized to investigate and confirm the departure of the student, according to the page.
“It also bears repeating: our international students are a highly valued and deeply welcome part of our community,” Strunk's email concluded. “We are all better for their presence and perspectives.”
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