The abrupt revocation of student visas by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to escalate, with reports now indicating that over 300 international students and recent graduates across more than 80 U.S. colleges have been affected. This widening crackdown is causing significant alarm and confusion within academic institutions and among the international student community.

Universities nationwide, including the University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Oregon, University of Texas at Dallas, and many others, are confirming that their international students have had their legal status terminated, often without any prior notification from federal authorities. Colleges are discovering these revocations through routine checks of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database.

A growing concern is the lack of transparency and due process. Legal experts emphasize that while the government has the authority to revoke visas, there is a legal obligation to notify students. However, numerous reports indicate that students are learning of their status changes through abrupt emails, texts, or even detention by immigration officials, sometimes before the universities themselves are informed.

While some revocations appear linked to student participation in campus protests, particularly those related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, a significant number of cases involve students with no history of activism. Minor infractions, such as past traffic violations, and unspecified “criminal charges” are also being cited as reasons for these abrupt terminations.

The consequences for affected students are dire. SEVIS termination invalidates their visa immediately, deeming them out of status and subject to deportation. Unlike past practices where students with revoked visas could potentially remain in the U.S. to complete their studies while seeking a new visa, the termination of SEVIS status forces immediate departure.

Higher education associations, including the American Council on Education (ACE), have urgently requested a briefing from the Departments of State and Homeland Security, demanding clarity and better communication. Universities are scrambling to provide legal and emotional support to their affected students, but the lack of information from federal agencies is hindering their ability to offer adequate assistance. The situation continues to evolve rapidly, leaving international students in a state of palpable fear and uncertainty.

Law enforcement impersonation scams evolve with fake credentials

Authorities are renewing warnings about a persistent and evolving phishing scam where criminals impersonate law enforcement and government officials to extort money or steal personal information from smartphone users nationwide.

The core tactic remains unsolicited phone calls with spoofed caller ID to appear legitimate. Scammers threaten arrest or legal action for fabricated reasons, demanding immediate payment via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. They may also pressure victims to assist in fake criminal investigations or mention bogus frozen Social Security numbers or inheritances.

A concerning new development involves scammers sending victims fake law enforcement credentials and badges via text or email to appear legitimate and gain trust. These credentials often use stolen or altered official badges with different names or agency details.

Authorities reiterate that legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone or request unconventional payment methods. They advise the public to hang up immediately on any such suspicious calls and independently verify the caller’s identity through official channels. Report such incidents to local law enforcement and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Remember, no legitimate official will call demanding immediate action, personal information, or money. Always verify through official, publicly known contact information.