The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico has expressed concern over the revocation of visas affecting international students at various universities in the state. According to the Albuquerque Journal, after President Trump's executive order on January 20 regarding visa restrictions, some students at the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and New Mexico Tech have reportedly had their immigration status revoked without clear reasoning or adequate process. This issue has raised alarm due to the potential impact on nearly 2,000 international students who are vital parts of New Mexico's academic communities.
Rebecca Sheff, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of New Mexico, stated, “Every person in this country deserves due process and protection from arbitrary, punitive actions by the federal government. The sudden and unexplained apparent revocation of visas for students at universities across New Mexico demonstrates a deeply troubling escalation of government overreach. To our knowledge, these students have been given no justification for the termination of their immigration status, leaving their education in limbo and their futures in jeopardy."
Sheff further commented on the situation, saying, “The complete lack of transparency surrounding these decisions is profoundly concerning. International students enrich our state’s academic communities immeasurably, bringing diverse perspectives and significant contributions to New Mexico's educational and economic landscape. The ACLU of New Mexico is monitoring this situation and exploring all legal avenues to defend the rights of the affected students."
