EAST LANSING, Mich. — International students at Michigan State University (MSU) are grappling with unexpected visa revocations as part of a broader shift in U.S. immigration policies. Students have reported receiving notifications from the U.S. Department of State, informing them that their travel visas have been revoked, leaving many feeling uncertain and anxious about their futures.
Several MSU students, who requested anonymity for fear of repercussions, expressed their concerns to local media, saying they are nervous about what comes next. Many are unsure whether they will be able to finish their degrees, with some even questioning the status of their housing arrangements. One student described feeling “scared” and unsure of what actions they need to take to comply with the changes.
Julie Powers, the executive director of Immigrant Law and Justice Michigan, explained that while visa revocation is not unusual, it typically occurs in cases where students violate the terms of their visa. “The federal government can terminate student visas for cause, such as violations of the program rules, legal infractions, or failure to maintain enrollment,” Powers stated. However, the sudden nature of these revocations, with no prior warning, has left many students in limbo.
International students make up 8.7% of the MSU student body, and the recent visa cancellations have raised questions about how these students can continue their education in the U.S. Some students have expressed concerns about their ability to complete their degrees, especially after already paying for tuition and committing to long-term housing leases.
In response to the growing uncertainty, MSU’s Office for International Students and Scholars has begun consulting with immigration attorneys and closely monitoring the situation. The university has not yet disclosed how many students are affected by the visa revocations.
Powers emphasized the financial and emotional burden these visa changes place on international students. “These students have invested their time, money, and efforts into their education here. To suddenly pull that out from under them without notice could be devastating, especially when they have ongoing living expenses and legal commitments,” she said.
The U.S. Department of State’s decision to revoke student visas has drawn attention to the challenges faced by international students, who contribute significantly to universities across the country. As the situation unfolds, MSU continues to work with affected students to address their concerns and explore potential legal solutions. However, with little clarity on the federal government’s intentions, international students at MSU are left navigating an uncertain future.
