The Trump administration has revoked the visas of numerous international students enrolled at major universities across California, including several campuses in the University of California system and Stanford University.
The move has sparked confusion and concern among students, faculty, and campus leaders, as no clear explanation has been provided for the sudden visa terminations.
At UCLA, at least nine international students had their visas revoked, according to statements from student and faculty groups. It remains unclear whether any of those students were detained or questioned by immigration authorities.
UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla confirmed in a campus-wide message that five students had their visas canceled without prior notice from the federal government. He also reported that a sixth student was detained at the U.S. border, denied entry, and deported.
“The federal government has not explained the reasons behind these terminations,” Khosla stated. “We are working directly with the affected students to provide support.”
At UC Berkeley, a spokesperson said the school was aware of at least six students who lost their visas, including four current students and two recent graduates. UC Davis reported 12 individuals affected — seven current students and five recent graduates — though those numbers may change.
While federal agents have not entered UC campuses or taken students into custody, university officials say they are actively monitoring the situation. A University of California official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that UC Irvine was also affected, though campus representatives declined to provide further details.
At Stanford University, four current students and two recent graduates had their visas revoked. Like other institutions, Stanford has not been given a reason for the cancellations, nor have any arrests been reported.
The University of California system released a general statement acknowledging the situation, saying it is aware that “international students across several of our campuses have been impacted by recent SEVIS terminations,” referring to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The university pledged to support affected students and continue complying with state and federal laws.
The University of Southern California, which hosts over 17,000 international students, declined to confirm whether any students on its campus were part of the visa cancellations, citing confidentiality policies.
The revocations appear to be part of a broader nationwide effort by the Trump administration, with similar actions reported at institutions such as the University of Kentucky, University of Oregon, and Ohio State University.
Although many recent visa cancellations have targeted students involved in pro-Palestinian activism, the specific reasons behind the California actions remain unclear. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said the cases would be reviewed individually and did not provide a total number of visas revoked in the state.
Student leaders at UCLA addressed the issue in a statement Friday night, expressing solidarity with affected international students.
“To every international student reading this: You belong here,” said Undergraduate Student Association Council President Adam Tfayli and International Student Representative Syed Tamim Ahmad. “Your presence at UCLA makes this campus stronger, richer, and more beautiful. We will continue to stand and advocate for you — loudly and unapologetically.”
A UC official confirmed that the visa revocations at UC San Diego involved students who were not connected to any pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Last month, the Trump administration began revoking visas at several high-profile universities, including Columbia, Cornell, Tufts, and George Washington University, citing alleged ties between student activism and groups designated as terrorist organizations.
Officials accused affected students of expressing support for Hamas, which is classified by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization, and claimed their actions posed a threat to national security.
The situation remains fluid, and universities are continuing to work with legal teams and immigration advisors to support affected students.
