Visas revoked for 11 Stony Brook University students, officials confirm

Eleven Stony Brook University students have had their visas revoked in the past two weeks, amid a crackdown by the Trump administration on students from other countries, officials confirmed Thursday.

The students, who were not identified, are among dozens at SUNY schools and other New York colleges and universities who have had their visas affected.

A State University of New York spokeswoman said a total of 21 SUNY students have experienced “a change of visa status.” She did not specify which colleges or universities they attended, but officials at the University at Buffalo said in a statement this week that four current students and nine recent graduates had their visas revoked.

The university system “is monitoring this evolving situation and working with campuses to ensure our students know their rights, are referred to the New York State Office for New Americans for any needed legal support, and understand their options to continue their education,” spokeswoman Holly Liapis said.

At the City University of New York, a spokesperson said 17 international students have also had “a change in visa status."

Fordham University reported that two of its students have had their visas revoked. Fordham spokesman Bob Howe said the students did not appear to be connected to protests at the private university in New York City, and Fordham “is unaware of the reason” for the revocations.

A spokeswoman for Stony Brook University, Kelly Drossel, said Thursday no further information was available about the affected students, including whether any had participated in pro-Palestinian protests on campus. University officials have generally avoided disclosing specific information about students, citing privacy laws.

In fall 2024, Stony Brook had more than 3,800 international students, according to the university's 2024-25 fact book.

'Chilling effect'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last month that the federal government might have revoked more than 300 visas for students and visitors. Inside Higher Ed, a news website focused on universities and colleges, has compiled reports claiming that more than 600 international students and recent graduates at more than 100 institutions have had their "legal status" changed by the State Department.

Among the earliest and highest-profile visa revocations was that of Mahmoud Khalil, whose visa was revoked after his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. The Trump administration wants to deport him; a hearing in the case is to be held Friday.

It was not clear Thursday if students at any other colleges and universities on Long Island have been affected. Officials at SUNY Old Westbury, which has 145 international students, and Hofstra University in Hempstead said they were not aware of any issues on their campuses.

At Stony Brook, the crackdown by the federal government has had "a chilling effect" on international students, said Manisha Desai, a professor of sociology and women’s studies and executive director of an interdisciplinary center focused on inequality.

Desai said some international students are worried about losing legal status and have made plans not to travel this summer. She believes many will be more careful about what events they attend and causes they support. 

“It’s a climate of fear," said Desai, who was an international student herself in the 1980s. "It’s not good for anybody’s mental health, much less for doing the work you’re here to do — to learn, to contribute.”

Felicia Thomas-Williams, the Long Island representative on the state’s Board of Regents, said in an interview Thursday that the federal government's actions against international students represent "a deeply troubling shift in our nation’s values" and "a heartbreaking disruption of lives, dreams and futures."