International students across the nation are being targeted and terrorized by the Trump administration, threatening their access to higher education and violating their civil rights and human rights.

“The Trump administration is revoking the visas of International students across the country, often with little or no reason offered as to why. That now includes five students at Northern Illinois University,” according to Northern Public Radio (WNIJ).

Northern Illinois University administrators have announced that the Trump administration has revoked the student visas of five international students at NIU.

I am appalled by the actions taken the Trump administration against international students, researchers, and faculty members in the United States. I have conducted research abroad in France, Italy, Spain, and Belgium at various points in my academic career, and felt welcomed as an international researcher in those nations.

So, I stand with all international students who are menaced by the Trump administration.

And, I want to send strength and courage to all international students at Northern Illinois University. You are not alone. Your professors and colleagues in History and the Humanities support you.

I know that NIU administrators and academic departments are taking actions to provide assistance to international students. The whole university community welcomes you and will act to support you.

Northern Public Radio indicates that “the news is so fresh that when we sit down with a group of NIU international students on the edge of campus, many haven’t even heard yet.”

“‘Well, no, this is my first time hearing this,’ says a Nigerian student, as others jump in to try to explain what they know. An Asian grad student double takes, ‘This is the first time we’ve known [about this]! I’m so surprised. I’m so shocked.'”

“The small group is made up of all graduate students, originally hailing from different parts of Asia and Africa. They requested anonymity because they’re scared the Trump administration will revoke their visas for speaking out against its policies,” according to Northern Public Radio.

“‘What are we supposed to do as graduate students?’ asks another Asian grad student. ‘We come from different countries. We start everything from scratch. We’re paying our tuition on time. There’s all these things we’re doing correctly. What more are we supposed to do? Like, I heard that they are revoking visas for having parking tickets, which is insane.'”

“Several of the students said the NIU students whose visas were revoked were not told why.

“An NIU spokesperson says the university communicated directly with each student the reason for the visa revoking listed in the government-managed system, but if the reason is vague or unclear, NIU does not have a way of knowing anything beyond what is listed.

“Either way, the students say it feels like the Trump administration is inventing reasons to target them.

“‘I used to [feel safe on campus],’ says one student, ‘but not anymore, not after this morning. I’m just second-guessing everything I do now. Should I do this or should I not? Should I buy Asian groceries?’

“They’re scared to speak out. They’re scared of traveling, of posting on social media, or, yes, even going to Asian or African grocery stores in fear of being pulled into a car by federal agents like Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk.

“‘A few days back, I think being extra cautious was good, but now I’m being extra scared, actually,’ said another Asian grad student. ‘I mean, even while coming here to park the car, I was reading the [parking sign] again like is it 12 to 6 or 6 to 12?’

“They say they’re looking over their shoulder all the time.”

Medlin, Peter. “The Trump Admin Revoked the Visas of Several NIU International Students. Other International Students are Anxious.” Northern Public Radio (14 April 2025).