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Several international students at Penn State University have had their visas revoked, losing their legal status in the United States. This development was confirmed in a letter sent last week by Sabine Klahr, the interim vice provost for Penn State Global. The letter did not specify the number of students affected, but it emphasized the university's commitment to supporting its international community.
The revocations are part of a broader crackdown on student visa holders across the country, led by the Trump administration. Similar incidents have been reported at other major universities, including Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA. The administration has canceled F-1 and J-1 student visas for various reasons, including participation in protests and minor legal infractions.
Penn State is advising international students and staff to carry copies of their visa status at all times and to utilize available resources, such as student legal services, for guidance. The university is also monitoring federal actions and policies related to immigration and international travel.
In Pennsylvania, other institutions like Carnegie Mellon have also seen students affected by visa cancellations. U.S. Senator John Fetterman has stated that his office is investigating these incidents.
Federal immigration officials are permitted on campus and can detain students, though Penn State University Police do not inquire about students' immigration status. The situation remains fluid as educational leaders express concern about the potential impact on international education in the United States.