UMass, Harvard, Northeastern Report Revoked Student Visas Amid Federal Crackdown

Several Massachusetts universities, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Harvard University and Northeastern University, have confirmed that multiple international students have had their visas revoked by the federal government, sparking concern across academic institutions statewide.

The revocations are part of a broader immigration enforcement effort, though federal officials have not provided detailed public explanations for the specific cases.

A UMass Amherst spokesperson said the university is working closely with impacted students and legal counsel to determine the best course of action. Similar statements were issued by Harvard and Northeastern, with all three institutions emphasizing their support for international students.

"These students are vital members of our campus community," a Harvard official said. "We are committed to ensuring they are treated fairly and with due process."

The visa revocations come at a time when universities across the country are already grappling with shifting federal immigration policies. While the number of affected students has not been publicly disclosed, school officials confirmed that the cases are being handled on an individual basis and have been referred to legal counsel.

Federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have not commented on the specifics of the revocations but reiterated their commitment to enforcing visa regulations.

The incident has renewed concerns among higher education leaders about the stability of international student programs, which contribute significantly to academic diversity and institutional funding.

"We're deeply troubled by the lack of transparency and communication," said a Northeastern University representative. "These actions can disrupt lives and studies, and they undermine our efforts to foster a global learning environment."

It remains unclear whether the affected students will be able to appeal the revocations or reapply for entry in the near future.

University officials said they plan to work with state and federal lawmakers to address the issue and seek greater clarity on future visa policies.