Last spring semester, 10 international students at Utah Tech University had their visas revoked.
After this situation, the community of international students had some concerns about their academic future in the United States.
Shadman Bashir, executive director of International Programs, said students came to his office to express their concerns during that time, but now they are feeling more confident about keeping their visas.
“Last semester was different. It was an unusual thing to happen,” Bashir said. “We always tell them to make sure to not violate the law; it doesn’t have to be something big, even a small thing, don’t do it.”
Now, first-time students are having issues with immigration services to get to Utah Tech in time.
To support these students, Bashir said the International Office coordinates with advisers and ensures early registration for those awaiting visas.
Allison McMullin, International Programs immigration coordinator, said a few common causes that can get students in trouble with their visa status include underage drinking, driving under the influence or speeding tickets, to even unlicensed fishing.
These examples were the reasons some of these students got their visas revoked last spring. As a result, students in similar situations grew concerned about the potential impact on their immigration status.
Bashir said: “If a student comes into our office to talk about a legal situation, we connect them with attorneys since we can’t give legal advice. But if there is any other issue, we keep an eye on their immigration status and talk to them if they are making a mistake or have any doubts. So, by being proactive, we keep the students from breaking any law.”
McMullin said the offenses related to alcohol are the most worrying because the laws or regulations in other countries are different from the ones in the U.S. This leads to some students not understanding the seriousness of drinking underage.
She also said that, even though the affected students had already resolved their legal issues, their visas were still terminated last semester.
McMullin said students now are showing greater caution, a better understanding of the rules, and being more honest if problems arise — which in turn allows the International Office to aid them to the fullest.
Guillermo Plaza Ruiz, a sophomore biochemistry major from Madrid, Spain, talked from his perspective from being both an international student and an International Student Leader.
“As an ISL, we help students with adapting and assimilating to the life in this country so they can stay in here, as they should,” Plaza Ruiz said. “From the students I mentor and the rest of the new ones, I haven’t had any concerns on this matter.”
Plaza Ruiz said that, as a student, there is a worry, but he feels like there shouldn’t be a feeling of fear.
He said that as long as students follow the laws, complete the required credits and do everything that they are asked to, they should not have any issues.
