Penn State’s provost voices support for international community as visa terminations rise
Nearly two weeks after Penn State first confirmed some of its international students had their lawful status revoked, a top university administrator has issued a letter about the situation and offered support to the community.
Penn State has more than 11,500 international faculty, staff and students and they are “vital members of our community,” as their unique perspectives, expertise and experiences add to the university’s learning environment and culture, Tracy Langkilde, interim executive vice president and provost, said in a community letter this week.
The Department of Homeland Security has revoked the immigration records of a “number” of international students on F1 visas at Penn State and institutions across the country, Langkilde said. The university is not aware of any federal law enforcement activity on campus related to this, however.
Langkilde came to the United States on a postdoc visa, she said in her letter, and understands the value of an international education and how uncertain this time feels. Penn State’s commitment to the international community has not changed, she said.
“Penn State is providing individualized support for every student we know to be impacted by this action. In every case, Penn State Global reaches out directly to the impacted student to discuss their situation and connect them with appropriate resources, whether these be legal support, academic support or counseling and mental health support. We are working with each student to provide them with tailored care to meet their needs and to honor their privacy,” Langkilde said.
About 50 students protested at the Allen Street Gates Tuesday evening before marching through the streets to spread their message in support of immigrants and international students. They wanted Penn State to do more to support international students and to take a stance against ICE and other federal law enforcement coming to campus.
Luke Gosnell, a Penn State student, voiced frustration at the protest that a message of support wasn’t already issued. The letter is dated Tuesday but it’s unclear what time it was posted.
“They’re offering no support for students. They’re offering nothing,” he said. “They won’t even offer an empty message of ‘we care about our students.’ They won’t even do the bare minimum, which is just, frankly, disgusting to see.”
Resources for international students
Langkilde’s letter cited an analysis from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, which shows there is no clear pattern or trend in terms of nationality and students from all regions of the world are being impacted.
“This is causing great anxiety and distress for each individual affected, and for our broader community,” Langkilde said. On April 3, Sabine Klahr, interim vice provost for Penn State Global, wrote to the international community about the issue and Langkilde said her team has been “supporting our students in all the ways that it can.”
She said students and colleagues should be directed to the university’s community updates page, as there is information and guidance for international students and immigration-related questions. They can also contact International Student and Scholar Advising at 814-865-7681 for more specific support. Penn State Global has resources available and a reference guide provides info on interacting with federal law enforcement on campus and travel.
The university is working with other higher education membership organizations, like Association of American Universities and Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities to understand legal developments.
At least 22 visas revoked
Bernie Cantorna, the Centre County district attorney, confirmed at least 22 students have had their visas revoked as of Tuesday afternoon, up from at least 12 late last week. But that’s just one snapshot of the issue. Penn State will not share how many students have been impacted, and did not respond to inquiries this week asking why they won’t share that information when other universities, including Big Ten schools, have done so.
Langkilde’s letter also did not include a specific number.
Cantorna said of the 22 people, none were convicted of crimes and were all on diversion programs.
The Centre Daily Times reviewed a message that multiple students received from the Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Office, on behalf of the United States Department of State, that said “additional information became available” after their visa was issued and as a result, their visa was revoked.
The message states Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been alerted and may notify the university about the revocation.
“Remaining in the United States without a lawful immigration status can result in fines, detention, and/or deportation. It may also make you ineligible for a future U.S. visa. Please note that deportation can take place at a time that does not allow the person being deported to secure possessions or conclude affairs in the United States,” the message states.
If someone is deported, they “may be sent to countries other than their countries of origin,” according to the email. It provides information on how to demonstrate their intent to leave the United States via the Customs and Border Protection Home app.
