International students at NWMSU impacted by legal status terminations

MARYVILLE, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Some international students at Northwest Missouri State University have had their visas revoked, school officials said in a statement Friday afternoon.

The action comes after the United States Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it would terminate the legal status of some international students attending colleges and universities in the United States.

As of now, Northwest's president, Dr. Lance Tatum, said the university is aware of at least 43 current and former students who have had their visas revoked. Five of the 43 individuals are current students, and the other 38 are optional practical training students who have graduated but remain in the U.S. for employment associated with their F1 visas.

Tatum said Northwest's international affairs staff will continue to track student statuses in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System.

Tatum said the situation will continue to evolve, and Northwest's International Involvement Center is working directly with the impacted students to offer guidance.

The students are being advised to depart from the U.S. immediately to avoid accruing unlawful presence.