ICE terminates visas of 13 current, former UB students

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) terminated the visas of four current students and nine recent graduates from the University at Buffalo, the university announced Tuesday.

UB said the students and graduates had their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record "unexpectedly terminated." SEVIS, a web-based system, keeps information on and tracks nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the U.S., according to ICE.

"While it is unclear at this time the exact reason for each visa revocation and status termination, the actions appear to be consistent with a recent change in enforcement approach by the U.S. State Department, which recently stated that it will have zero tolerance for noncitizens, including student visa holders, who violate U.S. laws, indicating that visa holders who break the law may face status termination," UB said in a statement.

The university said its International Student Services (ISS) office is currently supporting the 13 students and graduates and advised them to "consider retaining a private immigration attorney for assistance." ISS also told the students that they're now required to leave the U.S. since they are "out of status."

UB encouraged international students to contact ISS with questions or concerns. UB did not release the names of the impacted students.