The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico has expressed concern over the revocation of student visas for international students at several universities in the state. As reported by the Albuquerque Journal, the visa restrictions follow President Trump's executive order on January 20, which has led to the termination of the immigration status of students at the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and New Mexico Tech. The students affected by this are said to number nearly 2,000, who are crucial members of the state's academic communities.
Rebecca Sheff, a senior staff attorney at the ACLU of New Mexico, commented on the matter, stating, "Every person in this country deserves due process and protection from arbitrary, punitive actions by the federal government." Sheff noted the lack of clear explanation for the visa revocations, which leaves students' education uncertain and their future at risk.
Sheff further criticized the lack of transparency in the visa revocation process and emphasized the contributions of international students to the state's academic and economic environments. "The complete lack of transparency surrounding these decisions is profoundly concerning," she remarked. Sheff added that the ACLU of New Mexico is assessing all legal options to support the affected students, asserting the importance of defending their rights.
The ACLU's stance reflects a growing concern over what it perceives as government overreach affecting international students, who represent an important part of New Mexico's educational institutions.
