BREAKING: Trump Visa Crackdown Bypasses Students So Far
By: Viviana Sanchez, Skyline Reporter and Eliya Alvidrez, Skyline Editor
ALPINE- A nationwide crackdown on student visas has left many students across the U.S. feeling scared and afraid about the future.
According to Sul Ross State University Vice President of Student Affairs Ben Telesca, no students have been directly affected so far.
The university does maintain a population of international students, with the largest concentration at the Eagle Pass campus, according to Betse Ezparza Director of University Communications.
“At this time, we’ve not had any students impacted,” Esparza told the Skyline. “Should a need arise, we may have a public statement.”
An International Sul Ross student attending Eagle Pass, described his experience having a student visa during the crackdown.
“I’ve had my visa since August 2024,” the student, who requested anonymity, said. I have three in-person classes and one online, and I haven’t experienced any problems. I’m doing okay with the situation, but we need to be careful and take precautions.”
The Trump administration’s decision to revoke student visas has caused widespread anxiety among international students.
According to Inside Higher Education, the legal status of students at 280 colleges nationwide has been impacted. Several universities in Texas have been impacted, including:
● University of Texas at El Paso: 10 students
● University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: 9 students
● El Paso Community College: 2 students
● University of Texas System overall: 170 students
● Baylor University: 3 students
On April 25, the Trump administration reversed course, announcing that it will restore the student visa registrations for potentially thousands of students whose legal status had been abruptly terminated. Despite the reversal there is still uncertainty across the country.
Although Sul Ross State students have not yet been directly affected, the situation remains undetermined as universities across Texas and the nation continue to assess the impact of the visa crackdown.
With students being affected in various locations close to Sul Ross and in Texas universities, concerns remain high. As policy changes unfold, many students across the country are left waiting for clarity on their legal status and their future as a student in the United States.
