MILWAUKEE — A spokesperson for the University of Wisconsin System said the U.S. government has terminated visas for international students at universities across the state, including 13 at UW-Madison.
At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, one student expressed frustration over the recent developments.
"I find that really stupid for that to happen, and pretty much useless," said UWM student Victor Lopez. "Because, like, you know, a lot of international students here on, you know, at UWM strive for a better life. Here, they strive for a better opportunity for the family."
Watch: Visa terminations impact international students attending Milwaukee institutes
A Universities of Wisconsin spokesperson told NBC 26 they are aware of 14 instances at this time in which a student or former student's visa was terminated at state universities other than UW-Madison.
On Monday, UW-Madison put out a press release stating, "UW-Madison is not aware of federal law enforcement activity on campus, and the university does not believe the terminations at UW–Madison are specific to participation in free speech events or political activity. However, the precise rationale for these terminations is unclear."
A spokesperson for UW-Milwaukee referred our sister station TMJ4 to that press release on Tuesday.
"There's just this kind of just vibe of uneasiness that everyone's kind of undergoing right now," said Sana Abubaker, a Palestinian-American and sophomore at UW-Milwaukee.
She has friends that are international students. While none of them have been impacted at this time, she told TMJ4 concern is high right now.
"I know a lot of those people who did come and are enrolled at these universities, not just at Madison, but other, you know, Wisconsin universities, trying to better their lives. I'm kind of worried about that, about how their right to be here is now at risk," said Abubaker.
And it's not just public universities, TMJ4 discovered.
At least 8 students, 5 current and 3 on post-graduation work authorization, at Concordia University's Mequon campus have had their visas revoked. The school has the largest international student population of any private university in the state.
Watch: College students respond to visa terminations affecting Wisconsin international student
Historically, students who had their visas revoked were allowed to keep their legal residency status and complete their studies.
The lack of a valid visa only limited their ability to leave the U.S. and return, something they could reapply for with the State Department. But if a student has lost residency status, they must leave immediately or risk detention by immigration authorities.
A terminated visa status requires the affected students to leave the country immediately.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
