PHILADELPHIA — An international student at Temple University has returned to their home country after their student visa was revoked, according to university officials.
In a letter to the school community, Temple President John Fry said the student's visa was revoked "at the discretion of the United States Secretary of State."
"The allegations supporting the revocation are unknown at this time," he said.
The discovery was made during a recent routine review of student visa records.
"No other Temple student's records have been adjusted, and we are regularly reviewing student visa records to monitor for status changes," Fry said.
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Temple's Office of Global Engagement informed the student of the change in status after learning of the revocation, and the university was worked to support the student, including ensuring access to legal counsel and communication with officials from their home country, Fry said.
"In this particular case, the student has elected to return home.," he said. "Out of concern for the privacy of the student, we will not comment further on any specifics of this situation."
This student visa revocation comes on the heels of two high-profile revocations and detainment of students at Columbia and Tufts universities. Those students, Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk, were outspoken about Israel's aggressive actions in Gaza after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Khalil and Ozturk are undergoing deportation hearings.
"I recognize that news like this is deeply alarming," Fry said. "This is true for all Temple students, faculty and staff but it is especially true for international members of our community. Please know our international students, faculty and staff are valued members of our community, and we are committed to doing all we lawfully can to assist in circumstances like this."
Fry said the university has had no reports of federal ICE or Customs and Border Protection officers being present on campus.
The university laid how students, faculty, and staff can handle ICE and Customs and Border Protection, as well as how those agencies can operate on school grounds, online here.
Temple is offering international students resources through International Student and Scholar Services.
Students who need support can also reach out directly to the Office of Global Engagement at [email protected] or 215-204-9570, as staff members can help answer questions or direct them to the appropriate resources.
"These recent events are sure to have a deeply emotional effect on many of us," Fry said. "It is important for us all to remember to support each other and to take advantage of available support services."
Students can reach out to Tuttleman Counseling Services, located at 1700 N. Broad St. More information on their services and hours of operation is available at 215-204-7276 or online here. For faculty and staff, please remember that our Employee Assistance Program is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing support and resources online or by phone at 1-888-267-8126.
"I will continue to keep you apprised of additional developments," Fry said. "In these uncertain times, we can all draw strength from this special community, which is at its best when we work together and take care of each other."