Chancellor Frenk shared a campus message with the Bruin community.
Dear Bruin Community:
In recent days, a number of international students on F-1 status at universities across the nation have had their visas revoked and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) status terminated by the federal government. These actions have understandably created a great deal of questions within our Bruin community. As your chancellor, I will always strive to keep you informed on important situations. To that end, here is what we currently know:
During a routine audit of SEVIS records, UCLA officials learned that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) had terminated the SEVIS status of six current students. SEVP also terminated the status of six former students currently participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. These numbers are fluid and may change.
The termination notices indicate that all terminations were due to violations of the terms of the individuals’ visa programs. At this time, UCLA is not aware of any federal law enforcement activity on campus related to these terminations.
We recognize that these actions can bring feelings of tremendous uncertainty and anxiety to our community. We want our immigrant and international UCLA students, staff and faculty to know we support your ability to work, learn, teach and thrive here. As UCLA leaders and I wrote in our March 12 letter to our Bruin community: You are not alone. You belong at UCLA, and you are an essential part of our community. In that message, we shared resources and support that are available to you. I encourage students to make use of UCLA’s Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars. For the latest information on federal actions and available resources, please visit UCLA’s federal updates web page and the UC systemwide federal updates web page. Additional resources appear below.
I continue to meet almost daily with UC President Michael Drake and my fellow chancellors in the UC system to prepare for — and respond to — any federal policy changes. I am also in constant contact with senior leaders on campus. We remain committed to supporting our students as we abide by the law. We will continue to keep you updated on pertinent developments with the safety and well-being of our Bruin community remaining our utmost priority.
In challenging times like this, we need to stay informed and stay connected. Let’s work together and remember: We are One UCLA.
Sincerely,
Julio Frenk
Chancellor
Additional Resources:
- UCLA’s Undocumented Student Program: Through individual support, education and campus advocacy, USP provides academic, wellness and emotional support to students and creates an inclusive environment and supportive community.
- UC Immigrant Services Legal Center: This center serves the immigration-related legal needs of undocumented and immigrant students and their immediate family members, as well as mixed-status families across UC.
- UCLA’s Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars: The Dashew Center serves as a resource and learning center for the entire UCLA community to promote global connection, international understanding and cultural sensitivity.
- UCLA’s Center for Immigration Law and Policy: The center is a hub for immigration scholarship and advocacy, engaging community organizations, practitioners, lawmakers and experts in the field.
- UCLA Counseling & Psychological Services: CAPS supports students’ mental health needs as they pursue their academic goals. Services are designed to foster the development of healthy well-being necessary for success in a complex global environment.
- Resilience In Your Student Experience (RISE) Center: The RISE Center’s core mission is to uplift and support every Bruin’s well-being by providing the education, resources and tools needed to foster health, healing and hope for themselves and the world around them.
- Case Management Services for Students in Crisis: Case managers are available to assist students struggling with mental or physical health, facing an unexpected challenge or crisis or experiencing a personal loss. They can support students by exploring options, identifying on-campus resources and helping students to create a plan for their next steps.
- Academic Support: Students in need of assistance communicating with faculty to request support for issues transpiring in their personal lives may contact the Dean-on-Call at 310-825-3871 or at dean@saonet.ucla.edu.