By Kevin Hendricks
Six international students at New Mexico State University recently had their visas revoked by the Donald Trump administration according to the school.
An email from NMSU Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer Lakshmi Reddi said in the email dated Monday said that the school was aware of three revocations and that the NMSU administration is aware of the situation and is “closely monitoring” it. The school told NM Political Report Tuesday they became aware that the number of students was six.
This comes amid a broader trend of visa revocations affecting international students at universities across the United States.
The revocations come at a time of increased scrutiny of international students, particularly those involved in political activism. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last month that the State Department has revoked 300 or more students’ visas. The Trump administration has been particularly vocal about the status of students with a history of pro-Palestinian activism.
Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 29, which he says is aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses. A White House fact sheet indicated that the administration would “quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers.”
The administration has gone further, including arresting and attempting to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a green-card holder who led pro-Palestinian rallies at Columbia University. Rumeysa Ozturk, an international graduate student at Tufts University, was apprehended by ICE on March 25, after her visa was revoked on March 21 for participating in pro-Palestinian activism.
New Mexico State Media Relations Officer Minerva Baumann said the university couldn’t share information about the students’ ethnic identities and doesn’t have any information about why the students’ visas were revoked.
“We realize these decisions bring much anxiety and concern to our communities. We want everyone to be able to pursue study and work in a supportive environment that allows all to thrive,” Reddi said. “We are being challenged to do so currently, but we continue to support our students as we abide by the law. Continue to keep us informed, continue to stay connected and work with us as we navigate these uncertain waters.”
Reddi informed students that NMSU President Valerio Ferme has created a task force to address the impact of recent executive orders, which will include student and faculty representation. Reddi advised international students to review and update their travel documents, maintain full-time student status and obtain authorization before applying for internships or traveling. Students with concerns were encouraged to contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at isss@nmsu.edu.
“During this time, it is important for each of us to uphold our core Aggie values of courage, empathy, gratitude, inclusivity, kindness, and respect to support one another and cherish the accomplishments of our talented faculty, staff, and students,” Reddi said.
Update 1: Added more information from NMSU that they could not identify students.
Update 2: Added information from NMSU on three additional students who had their visas revoked.
This is a breaking story and more updates will be provided as they become available.
Matthew Reichbach contributed to this report.