Several universities across Utah are raising concerns as an increasing number of international students face visa cancellations or the sudden termination of their academic records — part of what appears to be a growing national trend.
At Weber State University, five students have already been impacted by these developments, with many fearing that stricter federal immigration enforcement is placing their futures at risk.
“It’s disheartening,” said WSU student Marianne Rouliez, herself an international student. “We’re here to study, to contribute. Many of us consider this place home now. It doesn’t feel fair to push us out without reason.”
Another student, Makayla Carmen, echoed that sentiment, calling the situation “unpatriotic.”
“Even when people follow every rule, they still face the threat of being removed. It sends the wrong message,” Carmen said.
Dozens Impacted Across Utah
As of April 9, nearly 50 international students across seven Utah colleges and universities have experienced either visa revocation or termination of their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records — a system managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to monitor non-immigrant student activity.
Here’s a breakdown of reported cases:
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University of Utah – 20 students
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Utah Tech University – 9 students
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Southern Utah University – 9 students
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Weber State University – 5 students
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Utah Valley University – 3 students
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Snow College – 2 students
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Utah State University – Undisclosed due to privacy reasons
What’s Behind the Visa Terminations?
While international student visas have always come with conditions — such as maintaining legal status, full-time enrollment, or avoiding legal issues — Utah universities say recent terminations are happening with less transparency than before.
The University of Utah noted that in some cases, neither the students nor the schools received prior warning before SEVIS records were canceled.
Reasons cited for the revocations include immigration status violations and criminal record checks. However, critics point to increased political scrutiny surrounding international students, particularly those linked to campus protests or controversial issues.
Former President Donald Trump previously stated he would deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested similar actions against international students suspected of criminal activity or protest involvement, according to the Associated Press.
Understanding Student Visa Types
International students in the U.S. generally hold one of three visa types:
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F-1 Visa: For students in academic or language programs.
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M-1 Visa: For vocational or technical programs.
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J-1 Visa: For exchange visitors participating in education, research, or training programs.
Each visa comes with distinct requirements, including full-time enrollment, English proficiency, and limited work opportunities. Students must also demonstrate they can financially support themselves during their stay.
What’s Next?
Some institutions, including the University of Utah, are urging international students to stay vigilant about maintaining their legal status. Students are encouraged to keep documentation up to date and seek legal guidance if needed.
The University has also directed students to several advocacy organizations for support, including:
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American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
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Immigration Legal Resource Center
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National Immigration Law Center
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Immigration Advocates Network
As this situation continues to unfold, Utah’s international student community is left uncertain about their status — and their future in the U.S.
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