Authorities changing visas status of students at southern US universities due to Gaza stance

More than 100 students at southern US universities have had their visas revoked as deportation proceedings continue against Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil, among others.

 Policemen arrest student during students and pro-Palestine activists protest across New York City demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist and recent Columbia graduate in the borough of Manhattan.  (photo credit: Michael Nigro/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Policemen arrest student during students and pro-Palestine activists protest across New York City demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist and recent Columbia graduate in the borough of Manhattan.
(photo credit: Michael Nigro/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Students at southern US universities have begun to have their visas rescinded over their stance on the war in Gaza, NBC reported on Sunday. 

The Texas Tribune reported that 122 students across the state had their status changed or visa revoked. 

University representatives in southern states reported that the schools discovered that some students had their visas revoked or their immigration status changed by checking the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the federal tracking program for exchange students. 

If a student's record is terminated in the federal tracking system, they must either leave the United States or reapply for reinstatement. 

Some 23 students had their visas revoked or status changed at Texas A&M, while 18 saw similar results at Florida International University.

 PROTESTERS ATTEND a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, at UCLA in Los Angeles, in April 2024. (credit: REUTERS/DAVID SWANSON)
PROTESTERS ATTEND a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, at UCLA in Los Angeles, in April 2024. (credit: REUTERS/DAVID SWANSON)

“A SEVIS record termination essentially terminates the individual’s legal status in the country,” Lacy said via email.

The students can reapply and stay enrolled at the university while their application is reconsidered. 

Mahmoud Khalil’s deportation

A US immigration judge in Louisiana ruled on Friday that US President Donald Trump's administration can proceed with its deportation case against Columbia University graduate student and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested in New York City last month.

The ruling was made by Judge Jamee Comans of the LaSalle Immigration Court, located inside a jail complex for immigrants surrounded by double-fenced razor wire run by private government contractors in rural Louisiana.

Reuters contributed to this report.