Ghanaian students in US universities hit by Trump administration visa revocations - Ghana Business News

Thousands of foreign students in US universities face visa revocations. Many Ghanaians are among those affected.

The Trump administration has begun removing immigrants, including legal residents. Some citizens are also impacted by these sweeping immigration decisions. Analysts describe these actions as "far-reaching and uncontrolled."

Some targeted students participated in anti-Israel protests. Others received no explanation for their visa revocations, including Ghanaian students. Affected universities have not released specific details about these cases. However, sources confirm that some Ghanaian students are indeed affected.

The Trump administration claims these students spread anti-Semitism and pro-Hamas sentiments. Students, lawyers, and activists strongly deny these allegations.

In some cases, visas were revoked for minor infractions like speeding tickets. Conservative estimates suggest nearly 1,500 student visas have been revoked. The American Immigration Lawyers Association reports over 4,700 removals from the SEVIS database.

To study in the US, applicants need a student visa. The F-1 visa is for academic institutions like colleges or high schools. The M-1 visa is less common and is for vocational training.

Educational institutions must be certified by ICE through the SEVP to accept these visas. The J-1 visa allows academic study with a cultural component supervised by a US organization.

Many prefer the J-1 visa because it allows spouses to work in the US. All three types of educational visas use SEVIS to provide required information to authorities about international students.

As the Trump administration continues its unprecedented actions, immigration authorities ask these students to self-deport. It remains unclear how their home governments will respond to this situation.

By Emmanuel K Dogbevi