Student visa cancellations have affected more than 100 international students in California, as the Trump administration increases enforcement against individuals allegedly involved in political protests, including those perceived as “anti-Israel” or “pro-Hamas.”
UCLA and Other Major Campuses Affected
According to KCAL and KTLA5 on April 17, the cancellations have spread across major Southern California institutions including UCLA, UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, and Chapman University.
The issue surfaced publicly in early April 2025, when UCLA confirmed that 12 students had lost their visas—six current students on F-1 visas and six graduates participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. UCLA President Julio Frenk announced the cancellations in a letter to faculty and students on April 6.
More Colleges Confirm Cancellations
Following UCLA’s disclosure, other universities initiated internal reviews. On April 15, the California State University system reported that 70 international students across its campuses had their student visas revoked this year.
Cal State Fullerton confirmed on April 16 that four international students had their visas canceled. The university added that federal agencies provided no advance notice before the cancellations.
Chapman University reported that visas for two graduate students and one postdoctoral researcher were revoked last week, and that all three had returned to their home countries. Similar cases have been identified at UC Irvine.
California AG: Over 100 Visas Canceled Across the State
In a April 11 statement, the California Attorney General’s Office confirmed that more than 100 international student visas had been canceled across institutions such as the University of California, California State University, and Stanford University.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and collaborates with the State Department to carry out student visa cancellations.
Cancellations Extend Nationwide, Says CNN
According to CNN, at least 525 international students, researchers, and faculty members across the U.S. had their visas canceled in 2025. The outlet cited court filings and public statements from more than 80 universities to confirm the data. CNN also reported that the Trump administration is revoking visas not only for political activity, but also for minor offenses such as DUI.
Legal Support and Federal Lawsuit
Universities in California are contacting affected students and providing legal support. However, those who have already been deported face limited options to resume their studies.
In response, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and attorneys general from 18 other states have filed a lawsuit against the federal government, claiming that the cancellations violate constitutional rights.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
