We’re continuing to follow the recent news of Penn State International Students getting their visas revoked.
Michael Mirville joins us to bring more details on what United States Representative Glenn GT Thompson is saying about this issue and how its affecting his district.
The recent reports of at least 22 International Students at Penn State having their visas revoked have promted reactions from univeristy officials and lawmakers alike.
For Congressman GT Thompson, these visa removals are a necessary step in targeting those who have violated federal laws and visa terms.
These visa revocations are part of the Trump Administrations immigration policy crackdown on those entering the country.
Per the Centre County District Attorney’s Office, there are currently 22 Penn State International Student visa revocations documented.
The University has released numerous statements to the interational community about the visa terminations, and have provided various resources to those affected at the school.
Those in opposition to the change in legal status cite visa removals for reasons like political expression, minor infractions, and other mysterious circumstances.
When we asked Represetntative Thompson about these visa removals, he said the removals are for those who have violated the law, and therefore violated the terms of their visa.
“They broke the law though. And some of the things have been things like DUI or even Shoplifting. And some folks may look at that and say, well, that’s not much. That’s a minor infraction. Bottom line is though, being in our
country under a visa is a privilege. And I don’t think we’re treating that any differently than what we have seen other countries do.”
Representative Thompson calls those who have issues relative to their student visas to reach out to his office to work on finding solutions that uphold both national secuirity and educational aspirations of international students.
Reporting from Centre County, Michael Mirville.