Penn State faculty responds after students have visas revoked

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State Faculty Senate passed a motion to ask the university to both clarify its policy and require a university "peace officer" present if ICE agents converse with students, faculty or staff.

“We now have a situation nationwide where Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, otherwise known as ICE, are deporting international students for a variety of reasons, often linked to speech which is regarded as un-American," Faculty member Victor Brunsden said, who made the motion.

ICE coming to campus has had many people concerned since President Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025. His administration has made immigration a top issue and cracked down on students participating in pro-Palestine activities.

In late March, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at least 300 student visas have been revoked by governments. Apart from Penn State, international students from other colleges, such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, Ohio State University and UCLA, have also had their visas revoked.

After the vote, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi said large parts of campus are public and federal enforcement agents may enter those areas without a warrant. “We certainly know that if someone is approached in a non-public setting, we can refer the agent to our Office of General Counsel, and all student information is protected under FERPA and cannot be disclosed without legal guidance,” she said.

In a letter, Penn State Global Interim Vice Provost Sabine Klahr acknowledged the university's awareness of international students who have had their U.S. status terminated. She gave guidelines for students, staff and faculty by encouraging students to carry an updated ID card. Students are also encouraged to reach out to student legal services.

The letter states that federal law enforcement officers must have a warrant to enter public spaces, such as residence halls and locked offices. Classrooms do not fall under this definition. If the officer shows both identification and a signed warrant, the student must comply with the officer.

Prithvi Sudhakar is a third-year majoring in cybersecurity. To contact him, email pzs5683@psu.edu.