SALT LAKE CITY — Approximately 17 international students or recent graduates from the University of Utah have had their visas revoked, according to a university spokesperson. The announcement, made on Tuesday, April 8, comes amid what officials describe as a period of intensified immigration enforcement across the country.
Currently, the university is home to 3,733 students on F-1 academic visas and 371 on J-1 exchange visitor visas, which include participants in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. The affected individuals represent a small portion of that population, and visa revocations reportedly stem from various reasons, such as criminal background checks and violations of visa conditions.
“The University of Utah complies with both state and federal regulations as a public institution,” the university stated in a message to ABC4. “We are operating within a time of increased scrutiny and enforcement regarding immigration.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security oversees the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is used to track non-immigrant students and exchange visitors. Once a student’s visa is revoked, their SEVIS record is typically terminated as well. The university confirmed that in some cases, these records are being closed without prior notification to the institution or the student involved.
Among the possible causes for visa termination are arrests or charges for criminal offenses, including domestic violence allegations or driving under the influence. Students are required to maintain lawful status at all times, which includes full-time enrollment and compliance with legal and institutional requirements.
In an email sent out to international students and scholars, the university urged vigilance and adherence to all visa conditions. The guidance emphasized the importance of maintaining full-time academic or employment status, staying informed about immigration regulations, and ensuring that key documents—such as passports, visas, and I-94 records—are valid and accessible at all times.
Students were also advised to avoid unnecessary travel outside the United States as a precaution, given the evolving immigration landscape.
The University of Utah is not alone in dealing with these challenges. Other major universities such as Harvard and Stanford have reported similar developments, as immigration enforcement actions ripple through higher education institutions nationwide.
Recent national conversations have also placed a spotlight on international students’ participation in campus protests. Former President Donald Trump has voiced support for deporting students tied to pro-Palestinian activism, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently indicated that such involvement or any connection to suspected criminal activity could place students at risk of immigration consequences.
As the federal government continues its enforcement push, international students are being reminded to take proactive steps to remain in compliance and protect their legal status in the U.S.
More information and resources related to student visa policies and support services are available through the University of Utah’s international student office and website.
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