Across the United States, many international students have had their F-1 student Visas revoked with little to no cause. That’s now happening at Shoreline Community College.

“To date, three Shoreline students have been impacted,” according to a college announcement released Apr. 14. These students are often terminated from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) before they or the school are notified of this change.

As stated in an article in AP, “Historically, students who had their visas revoked were allowed to keep their legal residency status and complete their studies.” These laws are no longer as benevolent towards international students; once the F-1 or M-1 Visa expires, they lose their residency status. This means that immigration authorities can go after students whose visas have expired.

The America First Policy Foundation is likely an influence on this Anti-Student policy. According to an article by the New York Times, “Founded by three wealthy Texans in late 2020, the group, known as A.F.P.I., has quickly inserted itself into nearly every corner of Mr. Trump’s political machine, and is closer than any other outside player in his planning for a second term.”

The AFPI is generally anti-immigration, and that includes their stances on International Students. In an article released on May 20, 2024, they state the following, “a subset of [foreign students] exploits the student visa system for espionage or to undermine our national security. Others simply espouse views that are antithetical to the American way of thinking and contrary to the principles of our Constitution … ending duration of status would ensure that foreign students are subjected to periodic screening and vetting if they intend to prolong their education.”

This think tank — the AFPI — is intertwined with the current U.S. administration and wants international students to conform to its views or be forced out of the country.

International students worried about what to do can visit the International Education Office (Room 9302) on the third floor of the Pagoda Union Building (Building 9000). You can also email them at [email protected] or call (206)-546-4697.

If you need a counselor, Shoreline Community College Offers counseling services in Room 5251 of the FOSS Building (Building 5000). Their phone number is (206)-546-4594.