Information About International Student Safety on Campus
The U.S. government is systematically revoking visas of international students and higher-ed workers—first targeting those engaged in Palestine solidarity (including any speech or activism), and now expanding to students with any prior encounter with law enforcement, even if charges were dropped or they were found innocent. While we haven’t yet seen forced deportations in Utah, at least 20 international student workers at the University of Utah—and over 50 across Utah’s higher-ed institutions—have had their visas abruptly terminated (Salt Lake Tribune). University administrators have given vague updates but refuse to explain the reasons for these revocations or outline concrete steps to protect affected students, leaving them in legal limbo. This is a national crackdown on dissent and due process, and it’s spreading. All of us—whether directly impacted or not—must act before more of our colleagues are punished for speaking out or simply existing in a discriminatory system.
We are your labor union, not immigration attorneys. However, we aim to provide information and resources for our members’ awareness of the situation. Thus, we provide the following information:
As of the most recent SEVIS terminations, this status can only be accessed by the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at the University. So ISSS will be the one who is emailing students and will be sending this status update. Students are checking both their personal email & university email accounts regularly.
Students whose visas are being revoked are generally not being apprehended on campuses; in almost all incidences, it is off-campus residences. We currently have no reports of apprehensions of U students with revoked visas.
Universities aren’t providing legal advice; students are advised to contact immigration attorneys for legal advice if they are given information about a revoked visa. We have a list of immigration attorneys here.
Students are getting visas revoked for vague or unspecified reasons. However, we are currently learning from cases across multiple higher education institutions that people who have been charged criminally in the past are being targeted regardless of conviction. Many people who had their visas terminated had past criminal charges that have since been dropped or expunged or found innocent.
Social media profiles are being monitored. We have reports of the State Department visiting LinkedIn profiles. Some international students are making their social media accounts private and adjusting their settings so only people they know and trust can see their posts and chats. Students are also being cautious with friend requests and only accept requests from people they know. Some students are not posting about topics they feel would be targeted.
A travel ban may be imminent (but has not been officially announced). Trump’s travel ban was postponed but could be coming soon. International students, staff, and faculty are using caution when leaving the U.S. If the ban goes into effect, it will be difficult to get back into the U.S. For a preliminary draft of proposed countries on the travel ban list see this article or the list below.
Source: The New York Times. Last updated Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025.
Other Tips:
- Instructors: Put signs on your office door and classrooms that say only instructors and students are allowed to be in this room — this works in the federal court that acknowledges the Fourth Amendment. You can find printable versions here.
- Bystanders: If ICE comes to your student or someone on your campus: video and document the searches as much as possible (if an officer gets physical, do not react, take steps back, and remember you’re entitled to record); do not direct someone not to answer an officer’s question.
- Overseas travel: Your permanent resident card and a valid passport need to be with you all the time; all visa holders need a valid visa and passport all the time.
- Permanent residents: You can be denied entry at any point now. You should speak with your (or any) immigrant attorney before you leave, especially if you have any criminal records.
- Entry: Citizens and permanent residents don’t require answering questions from border patrols; unfortunately visa holders must answer questions to avoid immediate deportations.
- Visa holders, especially F-1 and J-1: If possible delete your social media accounts and email apps on your phone and laptop before entry. Border patrol and customs ARE checking phones and social media accounts.
Other Resources:
Salt Lake Tribune Story on Deportations of International Student Workers in Utah
University of Utah’s Response to Deportations of International Student Workers
CWA Local 7765 Response to UofU’s Handling of Visa Revocations
Your Rights as an Internatinal Student Involved With A Labor Union
You have federally protected rights as an international student, regardless of citizenship status. All individuals in the United States have some basic rights, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
Your basic rights include:
- Free speech, freedom of expression, freedom to peaceful assembly, and freedom of religion
- First Amendment rights at school are limited to what a court decides is “disruptive” to campus functioning normally (ACLU)
- Freedom from illegal search and seizure (unless a crime has been committed where the search is taking place)
- Permission to remain silent (you’re not required to say anything that can be used against you)
- Guarantee of due process and equal protection under the law.
- You have the right to an attorney and the right to have a hearing before a judge, in most cases. Exception: In immigration proceedings, you do not have a right to an attorney
Although public sector employees are not protected by the National Labor Relations Act, and collective bargaining is prohibited for public sector employees in Utah, all public sector workers are allowed to join and organize with labor unions, including international students.
However, workers, including international workers, may be further protected by certain university policies. The University of Utah maintains official neutrality toward labor unions, meaning you are free to join a union and cannot be penalized for doing so. Utah State University does not appear to have any policies related to joining a labor union.
Joining a Union will not affect your visa or citizenship application or status
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) cannot ask you questions about your union membership or lawful union activities.
- In 2018, the Department of Homeland Security signed an agreement with the Department of Labor that states, “Effective enforcement of labor law is essential to ensure proper wages and working conditions for all covered workers regardless of immigration status.”
Union organizing benefits International Students
Unions provide international students the platform to collectively address workplace concerns, such as earning higher stipends on limited-hour student work visas or not having to pay fees that RAs and TAs don't have to pay. Your union provides a space for student, staff, and faculty workers to unite for better pay, better benefits, and job security.
Important Disclaimer
The above is not to be construed as legal advice nor is the union, UCW-CWA Local 7765 (“UCWU”) responsible as a party to any current or future litigation or matters related to any members’ outstanding legal claims. This is intended to be used as reference only. Seek out further legal counsel before making any choices related to citizenship status and visa navigation if necessary.