SPRINGFIELD, IL — A sudden and widespread cancellation of international student visas by the federal government has prompted urgent responses from university leaders across the country—including the University of Illinois System and the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS).
On April 11, UIS Chancellor Janet Gooch addressed the campus in a wide-reaching email, confirming that UIS students and recent graduates have had their visa statuses terminated. The announcement follows reports from institutions nationwide that student visas are being revoked with little to no warning, leaving many affected individuals in a state of uncertainty and distress.
“The leadership of the University of Illinois System is dismayed by these developments,” wrote U of I System President Tim Killeen in a separate statement. Killeen assured students that the system’s leadership is actively coordinating across its campuses to gather information and support those affected.
Though the total number of impacted students remains unknown, privacy concerns have led many universities, including those within the U of I system, to withhold specific figures. However, the broader implications of such mass terminations are potentially significant. According to the 2024 Open Doors Report, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign hosted the sixth largest population of international students in the country, with over 15,000 students.
The move to cancel visas aligns with recent federal policy shifts focusing on stricter immigration enforcement and expedited deportation measures. The apparent targeting of international students—many of whom are mid-semester in their studies—has raised alarms about the impact on academic communities nationwide.
“This creates anxiety, frustration, and fear,” Killeen noted, adding that the situation demands both attention and compassion from campus communities.
Chancellor Gooch emphasized that resources are available for UIS international students. Her email linked to the UIS Immigration webpage, which offers university-specific information and connects students with external legal and immigration services.
The page states, “We want to emphasize that our international students are both wanted and needed here.” It goes on to affirm that UIS has been “closely monitoring these issues, advocating for those impacted, and working together to communicate information in support of our international community.”
Students or faculty with questions or concerns are encouraged to visit the UIS Immigration page or reach out directly to International Student Services for guidance.
