Since the end of March 2025, more than 1,500 international students at nearly 250 institutions have seen their visas revoked or SEVIS records terminated as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration and alleged antisemitism.
To track how leading institutions are managing communications during this crisis, Legend Labs developed a rolling strategic analysis to systematically catalogue statements and evaluate them across tone, framing, and resource commitments.
The analysis below is based on 77 identified statements across all universities affected by visa revocations as of April 21, 2025.
Prevalent Themes & Tones:
Student Support
Universities predominantly emphasize available resources, guidance, and direct assistance to affected international students.
(76/77 STATEMENTS)
“We are actively working to ensure that every individual affected receives accurate information, personalized guidance, and the care they deserve… International Programs and Global Engagement (IPGE) and the Division of Student Affairs are closely monitoring the situation…”
California State University, Sacramento
“OISS is communicating directly with impacted international students to provide individualized guidance and support… Spartans with immigrant status… should refer to the Immigrant Support and Safety Resources website.”
Michigan State University
“At the first sign of a change, the ISSS will email the student or visiting scholar to inform them of the update and ask them to visit the Center for International Student and Scholar Services (CISS) to meet with a staff member who can connect the student to legal resources and university support services.”
University OF CONNECTICUT
“The campus is supporting those affected in accordance with its long-standing procedures for visa revocations. We are providing those affected with resources to navigate the process and are encouraging them to seek legal counsel for guidance.”
University OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
Information & Proactive Communication
Universities prioritize transparency and proactive communication, frequently updating their communities about unfolding events.
(74/77 STATEMENTS)
“The UTSA Office of Global Initiatives, in collaboration with other campus partners, has initiated the following actions… ISSS can provide high-level guidance… Global Initiatives will continue to monitor conditions and activity on an ongoing basis and provide updates as new guidance evolves.”
University of Texas, San Antonio
“The staff of the International Services Office (ISO) are proactively monitoring the SEVIS database multiple times a day…We will continue to keep you updated on developments as we work to ensure our international students and scholars have the resources and support they need.”
University of ROCHESTER
Institutional Commitment
Institutions frequently reaffirm their commitment to international students and the continuation of their educational and research missions.
(69/77 STATEMENTS)
“We are writing to the George Mason community to affirm our advocacy for the appropriate treatment of all international students enrolled here.”
George mason university
“International diversity is one of the things that makes Illinois so special… It enriches the academic experience, sparks innovation, builds fellowship… We will continue to demonstrate — through action — our appreciation for the international diversity that makes Illinois such a wonderfully transformative place.”
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
Advocacy & Solidarity
Statements consistently underscore unity, institutional commitment to advocacy, and expressions of solidarity with international communities.
(67/77 STATEMENTS)
“Our international community stands as a remarkable source of strength and vibrancy at the University… You are an integral part of our community and essential to our status as a global university and we are committed to doing all we can to support you during these challenging times.”
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
“We want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting our international students, scholars, and their families during this time of uncertainty.”
California State University, Sacramento
“These members of the international community are a part of the Rice family, and we will safeguard their dignity and support their aspirations because that is what this difficult moment requires of a great university.”
RICE UNIVERSITY
“To all our international students and scholars, I pledge our continued commitment to support you… Rutgers is truly an international university.”
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Legal Action
Many universities discuss engaging in or supporting legal actions, suggesting institutional readiness to pursue legal avenues for student protection and policy challenge.
(57/77 STATEMENTS)
“If you are impacted by a visa revocation or an ICE-initiated SEVIS record termination, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney as quickly as possible… Visit Global Cornell’s Immigration Advice and Resources for answers, advice, and allies.”
Cornell university
“We will do whatever the law permits to assist our students, and we are actively exploring what those options may be… We are also seeking appropriate legal clarity from legal support referred to us by the state Attorney General’s Office.”
George mason university
“OSU joined other universities on an amicus brief being filed by the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration in support of a lawsuit… to challenge federal actions impacting international students and educators, including their speech and expression activities.”
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Criticism & Concern
There is a strong presence of language highlighting institutional concern, distress, and explicit criticism of the abrupt nature of the federal government’s actions.
(44/77 STATEMENTS)
“We are deeply sympathetic to the unpredictability, upheaval and strain that this is causing our international students and scholars.”
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
“Facts matter… UMass Amherst did not play any role in the federal administration’s unilateral action… we were not notified by the federal government… Until now, the University has never needed to check SEVIS in this manner.”
University of MASSACHUSETTS, AMHERST
“Some students’ changes in status have not been connected to a clear, specific interaction with law enforcement, and they face an uncertain path to restoring their right to study in the United States.”
University of UTAH“We share the serious concerns arising from recent changes in federal immigration policies and enforcement activities… We have received no information about the specific basis for the terminations.”
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Privacy & Protection
includeS assurances of confidentiality, protection of student privacy, and adherence to policies preventing cooperation with immigration enforcement unless legally required.
(48/77 STATEMENTS)
“The FAQ page includes information such as what authority immigration officials have to enter campus; guidance for traveling outside the United States; and regulations and policies regarding sharing and safeguarding student information.”
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
“While visa decisions are made by federal authorities and beyond our control, we are doing everything possible to offer guidance and care.”
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII
Impact Numbers
specifIED the count of students impacted, emphasizing transparency and the magnitude of the issue.
(30/77 STATEMENTS)
“Yesterday, without warning, we received notification that five UC San Diego students had their F-1 visas terminated… In addition, this week, one UC San Diego student was detained at the border, denied entry and deported to their home country.”
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
“More than 40 Northeastern students and recent graduates … have been notified by the Department of State that their visas have been revoked.”
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Points of Emphasis:
- 100% described what university actions have been taken.
- 94% Shared concrete resources within the update or statement.
- 77% Acknowledged the emotional impact of developments.
- 70% Stated what the university knows, while 75% stated what the university doesn’t know at this time.
- 21% Used active voice or quotes from university leadership.
Resources Mentions:
- 86% Immigration Office / Office of International Students Services
- 57% Legal Services / Attorneys
- 43% Amicus Brief / Legal Coalition
- 27% Mental Health / Counseling
- 13% ICE/CBP Protocols or FAQs.