In August, new requirements for student visas were put in place to vet potential students’ social media for suspicious activities, including political activism, which can be perceived as terrorism. The State Department spokesperson said around 200 to 300 visas were revoked because of “terrorism.” Additionally, having any criminal record puts a student at risk for rejection or cancellation of a visa.
Many argue their student visas were canceled last minute and without clear explanation, leaving students scrambling and unsure how to continue their studies. According to an analysis published by NAFSA, the U.S. could see 150,000 fewer international students this fall due to the extensive list of denials. Some international students are accepted into universities but then denied student visas. So far, the Trump administration has revoked more than 6,000 student visas for overstays and violations of U.S. law.
A student visa allows students from other countries to legally stay in the United States for a temporary period while completing their studies. Southern Miss has a large International Students Program managed by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and the Office of Study Abroad (OSA). The ISSS helps students manage cultural adjustment, academic support, and the complexities of immigration.
“These types of policy changes are fairly common,” said Director of International Student and Scholar Services Dr. Leah McSorley. “And, we just try to make sure the students are aware of them and can plan ahead.”
As of now, no international student at Southern Miss has experienced a visa cancellation or deportation. McSorley and her team work to ensure that does not happen.
“It’s something that we as a school don't have much control over, the US Embassy will meet with the students, so I think it is just prepping the students, what do they need, what do they need to have in terms of documentation,” McSorley explained.
Despite the school’s reassurance, students remain concerned.
An international graduate student who asked to remain anonymous said, “You see things happening within the United States and it impacts you where you’re like ‘what if that happens to me tomorrow’ and that creates a diabolic state of mind.”
The student recognizes and appreciates the school’s efforts, but said no student on a visa will ever be fully at ease.
“You will always have doubts,” the student added. “You cannot guarantee anything. I wish I could say that it’s all under control and it’s not going to happen over here, but you just never know.”
International students at Southern Miss are an essential part of campus life.
“They have different skills and abilities and can bring, kind of, a world perspective to our classroom here,” McSorley said. “And also I think they gain a lot from Southern Miss, so I think it’s a really, true give and take relationship.”
For more information on student visa policies, contact Southern Miss’s International Student and Scholar Services or consult government websites detailing current rules.
