Seven students and recent graduates from Carnegie Mellon University have recently been informed that their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records have been terminated, leaving them uncertain about their legal status.
One of them, Jayson Ma, originally from China, has lived in the US since 2016.
“I only have a semester left,” said Ma, who is pursuing a degree in electrical and computer engineering. “There’s only three weeks left for the semester. We have finals coming up. So, with everything going on, it’s kind of hard to process.”
Ma said he received a phone call from his designated school official alerting him to the revocation. He added that no official reason was provided by US authorities and no termination notice has been issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Ma’s attorney, Joseph Murphy, believes the revocation may be connected to a 2023 driving under the influence case. However, Murphy noted that the case was dismissed and expunged after Ma completed Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) programme.
“This is someone who chose to stay and finish his degree despite his mother battling terminal cancer back in China,” Murphy said. “It’s a significant emotional and financial investment to be told this close to the finish line that it may not matter.”
Ma said his visa had been valid through spring 2026 and he was on track to graduate by December. Despite the revocation, CMU has allowed him to continue attending classes.
“Am I intentionally breaking the law by staying to finish school, or do I have to leave and sacrifice everything I’ve worked for?” Ma said.
He now carries his passport and essential documents at all times in case he is required to leave the country suddenly.
Other universities in Pennsylvania have reported similar cases. The University of Pittsburgh confirmed at least three international students — one current and two recent graduates — have had their visas revoked. Penn State acknowledged that some students have also been affected but did not disclose numbers.
Both institutions said they are offering legal support and mental health services, while advising students to carry identification and relevant immigration documents at all times.
“We are in regular contact with international scholars, providing updated information and travel guidance,” a University of Pittsburgh spokesperson said.
Penn State stated that affected students are being supported through counselling services and may be offered online alternatives via Penn State World Campus.
Legal experts say these visa terminations are often linked to minor or expunged legal infractions. The sudden nature of the revocations — often without detailed explanation — has left students and universities scrambling for clarity.
As Ma continues his studies under uncertain conditions, his attorney says they are awaiting formal communication from federal immigration authorities. “This could be a red herring,” Murphy said. “We just don’t know yet.”