The Department of Homeland Security has revoked the visas of nineteen international students enrolled at Oregon’s three largest universities, according to university officials. Four students from the University of Oregon (UO) had their visas canceled due to “unspecified criminal charges.” In response, UO is offering guidance to affected students on the next steps they should take.
This action is part of a broader trend, with hundreds of student visas revoked nationwide across more than 100 colleges and universities as the Trump administration intensifies its scrutiny of higher education and its constituents. A map published by Inside Higher Ed illustrates the widespread impact, showing federal investigations into various students linked to activism or facing criminal allegations.
On Thursday, 86 universities joined an amicus brief from the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, supporting the lawsuit American Association of University Professors v. Rubio. This case challenges the federal government’s arrests and deportations of students based on their political beliefs. Among those that signed in support are Oregon State University, Reed College, Western Oregon University, and Eastern Oregon University.
Private colleges in Oregon, such as Lewis & Clark College, Reed College, and the University of Portland, also host a significant number of international students. Officials from Lewis & Clark and Reed colleges reported that they have not seen any visa revocations but are actively monitoring the situation. The University of Portland, which has 139 international students enrolled this semester, declined to disclose whether any of their students have been affected, citing privacy protections.
At Lewis & Clark College, international undergraduate students comprise 7.4% of the total student body, representing 83 different countries. While officials confirmed that none of their 158 international students have had their visas canceled, they noted that students are expressing concern due to national developments.
