In a recent development at Park University, five international students experienced the revocation of their U.S. visas, a situation that has drawn attention from many media outlets and has raised questions about the visa review process for foreign students.
According to a statement from Brad Biles, Park University’s Director of Communications, the university confirmed that five of its international students were affected. “Two are current graduate students, while three had recently graduated and earned a master’s degree,” Biles shared in an email. The three graduates were participating in OPT (Optional Practical Training), a program that allows F-1 visa holders to work temporarily in their field of study after graduation.
Since early April, when the issue first surfaced, Park University has been actively supporting the students. The institution has provided legal resources and continues to monitor the situation closely through its leadership and international education staff.
On April 25, Kevin Vicker, Associate Vice President of International Education at Park, reported that the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records for the two graduate students had been restored. Vicker noted a trend across the country where court decisions involving a judge have favored students in similar cases.
In a follow-up on April 29, Vicker confirmed that SEVIS records had been reinstated for all five affected students, restoring their immigration status.
In a Zoom meeting that was intercepted by FOX4 News, Vicker mentioned that students with misdemeanors on their records are the ones being targeted and described international students traveling outside the U.S. as a calculated risk.
“I would carry copies of your I-20, your passport, visa, so that if anything arises, you have those two to present,” Vicker advised.
Despite the resolution, the university is not releasing further information or conducting interviews out of respect for the students’ privacy. As of now, Park University remains committed to supporting its international students and ensuring they have access to resources during these uncertain times.
