Across the country, the Associated Press reports more than 1,000 students at over 100 universities have had their visas or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records canceled, including one student at Bowling Green State University (BGSU).
According to immigration law firm, Herman Legal Group, visas were generally only revoked if a student was convicted of a crime or for immigration violations.
To maintain legal status, a student must remain registered for classes full-time, keep their personal information updated, and get employment authorization before working.
However, Richard Herman, an immigration lawyer and president of the Herman Legal Group, said what’s happening now is different.
“The other type of SEVIS revocation is when Homeland Security on its own initiates the revocation, and that’s pretty much what we’re seeing now— Homeland Security is initiating it. They’re not doing it in consultation with the schools as far as I can tell, and they’re just sending out these emails,” said Herman.
The Herman Legal Group’s website says new reasons now include traffic tickets or political involvement.
BG24 spoke exclusively with international students at BGSU on the condition that we would not reveal their identities.
The BGSU student who had their own SEVIS record revoked spoke out too.
“I felt horrified when the news was broken to me by ISS [Office of International Student Services]. However, I did not feel any element of guilt or wrongdoing because I’m 100% positive this is [a] political move, and I had done nothing to warrant that,” Student 1, the BGSU student whose SEVIS record was canceled, said.
When asked about how safe they felt, the student said they often worry.
“Generally, not too safe in BG as I keep looking over [my] shoulders every time worrying about having to have any encounter with law enforcement or ICE. However, the whole BG community has been really helpful and supportive, from the Dean of Students to ISS to the Legal Counsel to my department,” Student 1 said.
Another student said they were in disbelief when they first heard the news of a SEVIS cancellation at BGSU.
“It was shocking. I believe all international students were shocked after hearing that news because there was not enough information to be sure that ‘at least I am safe.’ I personally talked to several international students and found nobody feeling safe,” Student 2 said.
A third student also spoke out.
“I feel angry and sad. I think part of being ‘a public university for the public good’ is advocating and protecting the students who attend. It’s hard to see this issue officially reach our community,” Student 3 said.
Herman said if a student visa is revoked, he recommends doing three things.
The first is to file a reinstatement. However, Herman said that might not be the best option.
“Although those kinds of cases can take five months, eight months, 10 months, and to be honest, you know, we’re not that optimistic about that strategy because USCIS—US Immigration—is under Homeland Security, which is the same agency that’s been canceling the SEVIS,” said Herman.
The next options Herman recommends are to change your visa category or even file a lawsuit.
“Those lawsuits… they’re important for a couple reasons, but the main reason is you’re asking a federal District Court judge who’s not part of the executive branch,” Herman said.
Likewise, if a legal situation arises, Herman said international students still have rights.
“You have a right to be silent, you have a right not to incriminate yourself, you have a right not to sign anything, you have a right to a lawyer,” Herman said.
If a student does have their visa or SEVIS record revoked, Herman said, ultimately, universities should be helping out.
“They should be defending these students. They should be filing lawsuits for their students,” Herman said about the universities where students are affected.
BG24 reached out to BGSU officials for an interview, but the university declined our request to meet in person and referred us to resources they’re giving to international students.
Earlier this month the university issued a statement about the BGSU student who had their SEVIS record canceled.
BGSU was made aware late Wednesday, April 9, that a student’s SEVIS record was canceled. Due to student privacy, we cannot share specific information, however the University is working with the student to connect with appropriate resources and understand their options. — Bowling Green State University
Herman said he recommends international students keep their immigration papers and ID with them at all times.
As for the student who had their SEVIS record canceled at BGSU, they said their fight is not over yet.
“This gave me the hope and will to fight it, which I’m still doing. [Democracy] is the tenets and foundation of the beautiful American society, don’t ruin it,” Student 1 said.
