The Trump administration has revoked the visas of numerous international students attending California universities, including UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and Stanford. This action is reportedly linked to a wider federal effort targeting students involved in political activism, particularly pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk confirmed that 12 current and former students had their visas revoked without prior notice. UC Berkeley also reported six students affected, with officials expressing concern that the visa cancellations may be tied to students’ political engagement rather than any legal violations.
Stanford and several other UC campuses, such as UC Davis and UC San Diego, have also been impacted. University administrators are pushing for clarity from federal authorities, criticizing the lack of transparency and warning of the harmful impact on academic communities.
The revocations come shortly after the arrest of Columbia University alumnus and activist Mahmoud Khalil. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced that over 300 student visas had been canceled for individuals accused of “disturbing public order.”
University leaders across California have pledged support for affected students and are calling for due process and protection of free speech rights. The move has sparked widespread concern over the politicization of immigration enforcement and the targeting of student activism.
