Ivy League Students' Visas Revoked With 'No Official Notification'

Brown University reported that one active student and several recent graduates pursuing post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extension opportunities had their visas revoked within the past week.

The Brown University Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) revealed the revocations while also stating that the institution recieved "no official notification or communication from the relevant federal agencies," according to ABC 6.

"As President Paxson and Provost Doyle have noted before, it is our utmost priority to communicate directly and promptly with individuals affected by federal actions to offer relevant support and guidance. We will continue to prioritize direct engagement with impacted individuals should we see similar federal actions in the future," the statement continued.

Less than two hours after students received the notification from OISSS, the State Department posted a video on Instagram displaying messages such as "your visa is expired," "your visa is revoked" and "you have to leave."

"U.S. visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued," the post reads. "We continuously check visa holders to ensure they follow all U.S. laws and immigration rules – and we will revoke their visas and deport them if they don't."

The statement further encouraged international students with concerns about these developments to set up an appointment with OISSS through their Gateway Portal.

"When considering revocations, the department looks at information that arises after the visa was issued that may indicate a potential visa ineligibility under U.S. immigration laws, pose a threat to public safety or other situations where revocation is warranted," a State Department spokesperson wrote in an email to The Brown Daily Herald.

The revocations follow the Trump administration's prosecution of many international students attending US universities who participated in protests advocating for Palestine as Israel continues its assault on the Gaza Strip.

Brown University received "no official information to provide" on the reasoning behind these visa cancellations. The State Department spokesperson reiterated that it is "not generally required" to notify visa holders of the reason for visa revocation in their statement.