Lansing, Mich. — Central Michigan University (CMU) is grappling with an unexpected and troubling development that has affected international students at the institution. The university’s Office of the President issued a statement after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reportedly terminated the records of several current and former international students from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The university confirmed that neither CMU nor the impacted students had received prior notification of the status changes.
The termination of student records is not an isolated incident, with reports emerging that the same issue is affecting hundreds of international students across universities nationwide. This revelation has raised concerns within the higher education community and is especially troubling for international students who may now face uncertainties regarding their visa status and academic futures.
In a statement released to the CMU community, President Neil MacKinnon and Provost Paula Lancaster assured students, faculty, and staff that the university is committed to offering support during this challenging time. “This news is alarming and may be especially difficult for our international students, faculty, and staff, who are valuable, important members of our community,” the statement read.
While CMU cannot reverse the DHS’s decision to terminate students’ visa statuses, the university has recommended that affected students seek legal counsel. CMU has pointed students to resources such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association, which maintains a list of immigration attorneys, and Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, which offers legal assistance.
The university also emphasized that there have been no reports of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers appearing on campus, which may help alleviate some immediate concerns. However, students affected by the terminations are urged to act quickly and seek legal guidance to explore potential options.
CMU has been proactive in providing resources for both legal and emotional support for those impacted by the situation. Staff members have been instructed to direct international students to these resources and encourage a supportive campus environment.
In a message to the CMU community, President MacKinnon and Provost Lancaster expressed solidarity with international students, staff, and faculty. “To our international students, faculty, and staff: You are welcome here, and we are glad to have you as members of our community. In uncertain times, we rely on our friends, colleagues, and neighbors to help us weather challenges. Thank you in advance for offering compassion and kindness to our students and to each other as we navigate these changes,” the statement concluded.
As this situation continues to evolve, CMU has pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available, while continuing to support those affected by the DHS action.
This incident raises important questions about the communication between universities and federal agencies, as well as the broader challenges international students face in the United States. For now, CMU stands by its international community, offering both legal and emotional support as students navigate these uncertain waters.
