OK immigration attorney: Students with visas revoked in for 'painful experience'
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — An Oklahoma immigration attorney says international students who have had their student visas revoked could be in for a months-long ordeal to get them back.
On Tuesday, News 4 received information from several Oklahoma universities confirming the federal government had revoked student visas for their students.
Oklahoma Christian University says two of its students have had their visas revoked. The University of Central Oklahoma says as many as four of its international students have been potentially affected. Eight Oklahoma State University students, according to a school spokesperson, had their visas revoked.
According to a report from the O’Colly, the director of OSU’s Office of International Students and Scholars, Elisabeth Walker, spoke about the eight students who had their visas revoked during a Faculty Council meeting on Tuesday.
Walker said “political activity” was cited as a reason for at least one of the students affected, while the others said their visas were revoked due to criminal activity ranging from a previous arrest to a speeding ticket.
"I feel for all the people who are going through this as a college student, you know," said University of Central Oklahoma student, Amen Darrehmane.
A UCO spokesperson told News 4 on Tuesday that they didn't know why students' visas were revoked there and that students had to notify the university that they received an email from the Department of Homeland Security.
News 4 reached out to a spokesperson for Governor Kevin Stitt's office and was told they are looking into it.
"They received the notice of revocation and were told to leave the country as soon as possible," said Oklahoma immigration attorney Lorena Rivas, when describing what she'd heard from one OSU student pursuing their post-graduate degree.
"They paid for this, but now they're being told to get out," said Rivas.
Rivas says visas can be revoked for a number of reasons by the federal government, such as committing crimes, not staying in school, or if the government thinks you're a security risk.
"Do all those things that you're supposed to be doing in order to maintain the student visa," said Rivas. "Do not give them reasons."
Rivas said that if you're an international student who has strong political beliefs, it may not be wise for you to leave the United States until you finish your degree, in case you are denied entry. Rivas says you definitely shouldn't be publicly discussing those beliefs or sharing them on social media.
"It might be wise for these students not to express their opinions as openly," said Rivas. "And it's hurtful for me to say it again, because the foundation of this country is that we have the right to freely express our opinions, even if you are a citizen or not, especially when it doesn't involve inciting violence or doing anything like that."
News 4 asked Rivas about individuals who believe they haven't done anything wrong but have had their visas revoked anyway. She recommended reaching out to an immigration attorney to see if they'll review your case and determine if you should apply for a new student visa. Even for students who go through that process, Rivas said it can be challenging and frustrating.
"Applications to reinstate student visas take five months," said Rivas. "So for five months, these individuals are not able to attend classes, not knowing what's going to happen to them. Can't really work lawfully in the United States either."
The University of Oklahoma says it can't tell News 4 if any of its students have had their visas revoked.
As of Tuesday evening, Rose State College didn't have any reported incidents.
News 4 never heard back from Oklahoma City Community College or Langston University on the matter after inquiries on Tuesday as well.