Some Penn State international students have had visas revoked. What we know
Some international Penn State students have had their “lawful status in the U.S. terminated,” the interim vice provost of Penn State Global wrote in a community letter, though the university won’t share additional details.
In a letter late last week, Sabine Klahr, interim vice provost of Penn State Global, wrote to the community that international students, scholars and faculty are “valued members” of the campus community and the university is committed to supporting and assisting them.
“Recently, some incidents have occurred around the country that are concerning to many in our community, particularly our international students, faculty and staff. The University is aware that some international students have had their lawful status in the U.S. terminated,” Klahr wrote.
A Penn State spokesperson confirmed Monday the letter was referring to Penn State students but would not share how many students are impacted. On Friday, they said they have not been made aware of any ICE actions on campus.
The idea of ICE coming to campus has been a concern for many since President Donald Trump was sworn into office in January as his administration has made immigration one of its top issues. In late March, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at least 300 student visas have been revoked amid a crackdown on students who participated in pro-Palestine activities, CBS News reported. The Associated Press reported Friday that some students have been targeted over criminal infractions or traffic violations, and others don’t know why they were targeted. This week, more international college students across the nation have seen their visas be revoked.
During a faculty senate meeting last week, members passed a resolution asking Penn State to clarify and circulate its policy on student, faculty and staff interactions with ICE agents. It also asked that if the university’s policy wasn’t to have a university peace officer as part of those interactions, it be instituted.
Later in the meeting, a professor asked Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi how Penn State is prepared to help and protect students and employees who are scared about incidents seen across the country of visas and green cards being revoked without due process.
Bendapudi said because a large portion of the Penn State campus is public, federal enforcement agents can enter those areas without any warrants ahead of time.
“We certainly know that if someone is approached in a non-public setting, we can refer the agent to our Office of General Counsel, and all student information is protected under FERPA and cannot be disclosed without legal guidance,” Bendapudi said. “I will say that is not going to give everybody great sense of assurance. And I always struggle with, how much do you say without creating a false sense of security or a false sense of, it’s all OK, don’t worry about it, because it’s subjective experiences, and if that person is feeling that way, we do have to acknowledge it.”
Klahr’s letter included some guidance and resources available to international students. The International Student and Scholar Advising in Penn State Global recommends international students keep their documentation regarding their visa status up to date and to carry copies of proof of status.
The letter states federal law enforcement officers can’t enter private spaces — like residence halls, locked offices or other secured university spaces — without a warrant. Classrooms are not private spaces.
The Department of Homeland Security previously had a policy that limited ICE agents from some locations, like churches, hospitals or schools, but the Trump administration rescinded that shortly after his inauguration.
If someone is approached by ICE or other federal officers on campus, they should call University Police 814-863-1111, the letter states. Penn State has a reference guide available online in the event that ICE or other federal agents are on campus.
The campus police don’t ask about an individual’s immigration status, Penn State’s community update site says, but the department does work with other relevant law enforcement agencies.
This story was originally published April 8, 2025 at 10:25 AM.
