Seventeen current and former students have had their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System records terminated by federal authorities, and at least four of the 17 reported that their visas were revoked, according to a Cornell spokesperson.
This development comes after The Sun’s Monday article reported that the University quietly updated an FAQ webpage, revealing that “a small number” of international students have had their SEVIS records terminated. At the time, University officials twice declined to disclose to The Sun how many students were affected.
On Tuesday, a University spokesperson shared a statement with The Sun detailing the number of SEVIS record terminations. Of the 17 whose records were terminated, nine are current students and eight have graduated, the spokesperson wrote.
In recent weeks, hundreds of students across the country have had their visas revoked and now face potential deportation. As of April 12, the legal status of over 1,200 international students has changed.
SEVIS is a web-based system that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintains, which tracks students on visas. The University can audit student SEVIS records, and has stated that they are actively checking SEVIS for updates.
When a student’s SEVIS record is terminated, they lose their student status. If SEVIS records are terminated for a violation of their status, students must leave the country immediately unless they apply to have their SEVIS status reinstated — a process that can only begin if a designated school official provides a recommendation for SEVIS status reinstatement.
If a student’s status is not reinstated, they may face consequences — including deportation — for remaining in the United States.
While SEVIS records are viewable by educational institutions, students are notified of visa revocations individually. On March 31, Cornell International Services issued guidance that urged students to notify the University if they received correspondence saying that their visa was revoked.
Benjamin Leynse is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is a News Editor for the 143rd editorial board, and a former senior writer. He can be reached at bleynse@cornellsun.com.
