Michael Rao, VCU’s President, issued a statement today on visas being revoked for two students and one alumni. In the letter, he claims VCU “stands with our international community,” but offers no practical guidance as to what this means for international students currently living in Richmond.
However, two days ago, VCU’s Global Education Office (GEO) made this recommendation: “GEO recently communicated with the international community about the Alien Registration Requirement and how to comply with it by carrying specific documents at all times while in the U.S.” That’s right—carry your papers.
This comes during a nationwide campaign targeting international students. Virginia Tech and George Mason also announced the cancellation of student visas yesterday.
Rao’s letter can be found below.
Dear VCU community,
At VCU, we are proud to be home to students, faculty and staff from around the world. Our international community is essential to who we are and to the values we uphold.
We are aware of recent federal actions affecting student visas, including unexpected terminations and limitations on international travel. As of this writing, two international VCU students and one recent graduate have received recent visa terminations. Privacy laws prevent us from sharing additional details.
At this time, we are not aware of recent immigration actions involving faculty or staff.
We understand the anxiety and uncertainty these changes cause, and we want to be clear: VCU stands with our international community and all of our people.
If you need assistance, students are encouraged to use support resources, including TimelyCare and University Counseling Services, available 24 hours a day at 804-828-6200. For faculty and staff, resources are available through VCU’s RamStrong program.
Our Global Education and Government Relations offices are monitoring federal policy developments and continuing to seek out international opportunities for education and research. If your visa status has been affected or you have concerns, we encourage you to seek the advice of an immigration attorney.
To our international Rams: You are a very important part of our community and highly valued for all of the good things you bring to VCU. You are vital. And you are not alone.
Michael Rao, President
Fotis Sotiropoulos, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Marlon Levy, Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and CEO of VCU Health
Meredith Weiss, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer
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