Visas Possibly Revoked For Some At Fairfield's 2 Universities: Reports

FAIRFIELD, CT — A number of international students at Fairfield's two universities, Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University, reportedly may have had their visas revoked in recent weeks, though details and the exact number have not been disclosed.

Earlier this week, the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, which represents Fairfield and Sacred Heart universities and a dozen other institutions in the state, told CT Insider that it was aware of more than three-dozen visa revocations at colleges in the state.

Also this week, the University of Connecticut confirmed that 13 students at the school had visas revoked by the federal government, though reasons for the terminations were not given.

On Friday, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) demanded answers from the Trump Administration on the visa revocations in Connecticut.

In a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons, Blumenthal wrote that the terminations were made "via email without warning or explanation."

"This issue is not limited to UConn alone," Blumenthal wrote. "As stated by the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, there have been 40 visa revocations across its 14 member institutions which include Yale, Albertus Magnus College, Connecticut College, Fairfield University, Goodwin University, Mitchell College, Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, Trinity College, the University of Bridgeport, the University of Hartford, the University of New Haven, the University of Saint Joseph and Wesleyan University. These seemingly arbitrary revocations and terminations made without notice or explanation seem deliberately designed to have a chilling effect on student visa holders, impacting our nation’s ability to attract and retain international talent and resulting in a net loss for our students and our communities."

The main reason given by Rubio for the revocations has been student involvement in pro-Palestinian protests, which the Trump Administration considers to be antisemitic, the BBC reported.

But CT Mirror reports that some students have been targeted for visa revocations due to past brushes with the law, which in some cases did not involve a conviction.

While not discussing the visa issue directly, Jennifer Anderson, the university's Vice President of Marketing & Communications, issued the following statement to Patch:

"As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Fairfield University is unwavering in its dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive community where all individuals are welcomed, respected, and valued. This is rooted in our Catholic faith and the 500-year tradition of Jesuit education, aligning with our motto, Per Fidem ad Plenam Veritatem: through faith to the fullness of truth. Practicing radical hospitality, and committed to cura personalis, we embrace the rich diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, cultivating an environment that fosters the life of the mind, and a culture of care and support to those in our community. Curiosity, intellectual growth, and a commitment to critical thinking are at the heart of our work, and an open exchange of ideas push us to think more deeply and to promote justice.

"Fairfield strives to be a community that reflects the ever-changing global landscape, honoring the dignity of each person, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic background, nationality, or religion. Guided by our Jesuit values of respect, inclusion, and care for others, we are dedicated to nurturing global citizens who engage with diverse cultures and perspectives, and are prepared to serve as compassionate, ethical leaders in a complex global society.

"We are also committed to recruiting the strongest students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring that those who demonstrate the potential to succeed and thrive at Fairfield are given the opportunity to do so, regardless of their economic circumstances. We hire the most qualified faculty and staff in their fields of study and expertise, ensuring that our community is led by individuals who bring both academic rigor and a passion for nurturing the potential of others. These dedicated faculty and staff are essential in creating an environment that challenges students to reach their full intellectual and personal potential.

"As an institution, we embrace our role as a catalyst for positive change — a place where inquiry, discernment, and action are central to shaping the future. We remain committed to living out these principles in all aspects of our work, ensuring that Fairfield University continues to be a place where all are welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute to the common good.

"As a matter of policy, Fairfield University cannot comment on student immigration status or matters."

Patch reached out to Sacred Heart University and the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges for comments, but did not immediately receive replies.