Visa Revocations At UNLV Require Action, Not Silence, From Our Leaders

LAS VEGAS — On Friday, UNLV administrators announced four international students had their visas revoked by the Trump State Department. Though details on why the visas were revoked remain unavailable, the move comes as the Trump Administration has tried to quash free speech on campuses nationwide, upending the student visa system and abducting international students from the streets with little pretense and no due process.

Douglas Unger, Professor, Department of English, UNLV:

“Revoking international student visas at UNLV and across the country is a draconian, retaliatory policy by the new federal regime that attacks free speech and free expression by design. This policy is one of many we are seeing now meant to suppress individual freedoms by means of fear and intimidation in pursuit of establishing a fascism antithetical to traditional American values and a free society. As an educator who has worked closely with international students at UNLV for more than three decades, I am concerned for their welfare and wellbeing, also for all our students. We cannot let ourselves be cowed into “anticipatory obedience” and cowardly acquiescence to this fast erosion of freedoms being perpetrated by a would-be dictatorship that, in the end, is bent on undermining our rights under the 1st Amendment of the Constitution so as to silence our voices and those of our students who dissent. Not to speak out against this retaliatory policy would be a dark shame for our university, our state, and our nation. We must speak out, loudly, and everywhere we can, against these actions by the new federal regime.”

Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:

“These students losing their visas is more than just concerning, and it’s more than just a threat to our universities – UNLV included. This attack on international students is an attack on the foundational principles of our Constitution, an attempt to tear up the Bill of Rights and dare anyone to stop it. This is an administration willing to snatch a PhD. student off the street, just because she signed onto an editorial. It’s good that members of our Congressional delegation – including Rep. Steven Horsford and Rep. Dina Titus – have called for answers and accountability from the Trump Administration. But our students deserve more than a climate of hate and fear on their campuses. The future of this country depends on our willingness to stand up in this moment and call this what it is: An attack on the concept of the United States itself.”

Leo Murrieta, Make the Road Action Nevada, issued the following statement:

“We are deeply alarmed by the recent announcement from UNLV administrators about four international students who have had their student visas revoked by the Trump State Department. These young people came to our country in pursuit of knowledge, opportunity, and a brighter future—not to be targeted, silenced, or removed without explanation.

“This action fits into a disturbing pattern under the Trump Administration—one where international students are criminalized, snatched from public spaces, and denied due process. These actions are not about national security. They are about fear, control, and retaliation against campuses that continue to be strongholds of free thought and protest.

“Let’s be clear: international students are vital members of our academic and local communities. They contribute to research, diversity, innovation, and the cultural fabric of our universities. Revoking their visas without transparency or justification is not just an attack on them—it’s an attack on the principles of higher education and the values of inclusion and justice we hold dear.

“We demand answers. We demand due process. And we demand that our campuses remain places where all students—regardless of citizenship—can learn, speak out, and thrive without fear of political retribution.”

William Moore, Civic Engagement Director, Mi Familia Vota Nevada, issued the following statement:

“MAGA’s decision to revoke the visas of 4 UNLV students is cruel and unacceptable. This is a direct attack on their rights to free speech, their education and a deliberate assault on the immigrant community. Universities should be a safe and supportive place for all students, not a political battleground. We stand united and demand an end to these harmful tactics aimed to silence immigrants and international students. Mi Familia Vota will continue fighting to protect the rights of all students to live, learn, and thrive without fear.”

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