Apr. 15, 2025 8:20p
(WGTD/AP)---The international student at Carthage College who left in a hurry after her student visa was revoked isn't alone.
At least 790 students at more than 120 colleges and universities have had their visas pulled or their legal status terminated in recent weeks, according to an AP story. An association of international educators believes the number is much higher.
The Carthage student--a senior from Spain--- was advised by her home country to leave the U.S as soon as possible as a precaution. The student's legal status wasn't necessarily affected by the loss of the visa.
The school hastily arranged for what turned into an emotional graduation ceremony that included some faculty dressed in full regalia, a small delegation from the Carthage Choir and a number of students.
Carthage itself isn't saying much. "Carthage cares deeply for all of our students," an email reads. "We continue to do all we can to support our international students, including proactively monitoring the status of their visas and working closely with those who have questions or are seeking additional support."
The Carthage student who quickly left the country wasn't identified.
Other students who are faced with similar situations are staying and fighting. On Tuesday, a federal judge in Madison ruled the government could not take steps to detain or revoke the visa of a University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student.
Foreigners who are subject to removal proceedings are usually sent a notice to appear in immigration court on a certain date, but lawyers say affected students have not received any notices, leaving them unsure what to do next.
Lawyers contacted by the AP say many of the affected students were given no clear reason for their visa revocation.
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