Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to reverse its abrupt, arbitrary revocations of thousands of student visas.
“This is the right decision to restore the visas of students that had been revoked suddenly and without explanation, many just weeks before they are supposed to graduate. International students who are in the U.S. legally for school deserve to continue their education without the fear that their visa might be revoked without warning or reason. We know a number of students’ visas have been restored but it’s not clear how many. I implore the administration to provide clarity and answers about the impact on students who had their visas revoked and what guidance they are giving to universities. I will continue to work closely with the students and universities in my district.”
Earlier this month, Rep. Dingell led the Michigan Democratic delegation in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem requesting answers about the sudden revocations of international students’ visas at universities in Michigan and across the country, and is still awaiting answers to the following questions:
What student records are being reviewed by DHS?
What specific factors are being considered in the decision to terminate a visa?
How are students being notified that their visa is being terminated? Are they receiving information regarding the exact basis of the decision?
How much time do impacted students have to understand the implications and determine next steps?
What guidance is being given to impacted students? What are their options? Can you outline any appeal processes that are available if a SEVIS record is terminated/a student's visa has been revoked?
If a student decides to stay after their visa is terminated, would that constitute unlawful presence and affect their ability to obtain a different visa?
How are academic institutions being notified when the visa of an enrolled student is revoked?
In the past, revocation of a student’s visa did not result in the termination of a student’s SEVIS record. Why has this changed, and what is the legal basis for terminating a student's SEVIS record when a student's visa has been revoked?
Will DHS clarify with principal designated school officials (PDSOs) what the exact basis was for students having their records terminated?
