Visas Revoked For 3 University Of Pennsylvania Students

PHILADELPHIA — More local students have had their student visas revoked.

According to the University of Pennsylvania, three people on Penn-sponsored student visas have had their Student and Exchange Visitor Program records terminated.

Officials said the terminations were enacted by the federal government.

While details on why their statuses were terminated remain unclear, Penn officials said it does not appear the terminations are connected to protests on the school's campus last year.

"ICE agents have NOT been present on campus in connection with these cases," a letter to the university community said.

However, the letter said officials are aware of reports of encounters with ICE agents at Penn and additional visa revocations.

"We want to reassure the community that we are monitoring and investigating all reports and providing appropriate support to people when these incidents arise," the letter reads. "This is an extremely unsettling time for international students and scholars at Penn and in the United States."

This news comes about a week after an international student at Temple University had their student visa revoked. Details on what led to that revocation were not made available.

These incidents follow two high-profile student visa revocations and detainments of students at Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil and Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, who were outspoken about Israel's aggressive actions in Gaza after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Khalil and Ozturk are undergoing deportation hearings.

"Know that we will make every effort to provide you with timely guidance about recent immigration policy changes," Penn's letter said.

The university said International Student and Scholar Services is monitoring Student and Exchange Visitor Program system updates and will notify students if their records are deactivated and help them determine next steps in conjunction with their home school and other relevant offices.

Frequently asked questions about the situation are available online here.

"If you are contacted by or encounter immigration officials or law enforcement on campus you should notify the Division of Public Safety at 215-573-3333 immediately," the university said.

Additionally, students can contact Rudie Altamirano, International Student and Scholar Services Executive Director, at rudiea@upenn.edu with questions.

"Penn deeply values its international community and remains dedicated to fostering an environment where students and scholars from around the world can thrive," the letter concluded.