Schools
California University Shuts Down Amid 'Visa Mill' Rumors
Silicon Valley University's majority of students came from other countries.

SAN JOSE, CA -- A California university closed its doors recently amid allegations that it was a "visa mill" for immigrants. The San Francisco Chronicle reported the majority of Silicon Valley University 's 4,000 students came from other countries, prompting inquiries from elected officials.
"Silicon Valley University was seen by some strivers abroad as a ticket into one of America’s hottest job markets, through its ability to back student and work visas. The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee recently asked if it might be a 'visa mill' — a term used for sham operations where students get visas but a poor education, if any," the Chronicle reported.
The allegation of being a "visa mill" is just one problem the university is facing. The Chronicle reported the school is also accused of misusing its money.
Find out what's happening in Palo Altofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"The school collected tens of millions of dollars in tuition, some of which it has said in court filings it can’t account for," the Chronicle reported. "Students have raised concerns about the quality of education: One said he didn’t get the well-paying tech job he expected, while another complained that instruction was haphazard."
Read the full Chronicle story here.
Find out what's happening in Palo Altofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
--Photo via Shutterstock
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.