University of Houston Assistant Professor Faces Deportation After Visa Abruptly Revoked

On April 13, 2025, a University of Houston (UH) assistant professor, identified only as Jeon in reports, informed students via Canvas that he could no longer teach their upper-level math course due to the "unexpected termination" of his visa. The announcement, first reported by The Daily Cougar, has sent shockwaves through the UH community, with Jeon stating he is preparing to leave for South Korea. The university confirmed on April 15 that the professor's visa was revoked "based on his recent status as a doctoral student at another institution," and a new instructor has been assigned to the affected class.

Jeon's case is not isolated. UH disclosed last week that a "small number" of its international students have also had their visas revoked, part of a larger trend impacting at least 115 students and recent graduates across Texas since late March, according to data compiled by Inside Higher Ed and Texas Newsroom partners. Nationwide, over 600 individuals have faced similar visa terminations, often with little explanation. Jeon did not specify the reason for his revocation but noted in his message to students that "many international scholars" are experiencing the same fate.

The revocations come amid heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which has targeted universities perceived as hubs of activism. A Houston-based attorney reported that three international students, including one from UH, had visas revoked following arrests, though no such connection was confirmed in Jeon's case. The lack of transparency has frustrated advocates, with immigration lawyer Maria Barbosa calling the process "arbitrary and devastating" for academic communities.

UH has not reported additional faculty impacted but is monitoring the situation. The university's statement emphasized support for affected students, but faculty like Jeon face immediate disruption. On X, sentiment reflects alarm, with posts lamenting, "Losing talent like this hurts our schools," while others question the policy's intent: "Why target professors and students?" The Cougar's report sparked further discussion, amplifying concerns about academic freedom.

The broader crackdown has hit Texas hard, with at least 24 UH students affected, per The Cougar's estimates. As Jeon prepares to depart, his case highlights the personal toll of these policies, leaving students without a professor and raising questions about the future of international scholars in U.S. higher education.