Update (April 29, 2025):
The visa cancellations for the two international students were rescinded.
They are once again legally permitted to remain in the United States to complete their classes and participate in graduation. They will also be eligible to travel home and apply for a new visa as they transfer to other U.S. colleges.
There was no accompanying explanation provided for the original visa cancellations.
Original Statement (Published April 18, 2025):
(West Burlington, IA) – Earlier this week, two SCC international students were notified that their visas were canceled. The students were notified via email from the US embassy in their country of residence that originally issued their visa.
When the students made SCC officials aware of the email, officials were able to verify the visa cancellations through SEVIS. The Student Exchange Visitor Information System is what colleges and universities use to track and update international student visas while they’re studying in the US.
The system doesn’t show why the students' visas were canceled.
At no time were ICE agents, immigration officials, or law enforcement officers onsite, nor has any agency been in direct contact with SCC about this or any other instance involving our international students.
The students are in the US on an I20 Student Visa that allows them to study at SCC. A canceled visa means that they are required to leave the country. However, the timeframe isn’t specifically defined. There is a process they can follow to appeal to have their visas reinstated and they are exploring options to do so.
SCC officials are actively working with the impacted students to determine next steps. The students are set to graduate in May and staff are collaborating with faculty to explore options for completing coursework. It is everyone’s hope that they are allowed to stay through graduation while the students await the results of the appeal process.
SCC is legally required to comply with federal immigration regulations. And we are. However, our first priority remains our students. Each one of them deserves opportunity, support, and the chance to succeed.