It’s a staggering number, if compared to other high-profile campuses, like Columbia University, which has been aggressively targeted by the Trump Administration for their big pro-Palestine protests, and has reported the termination of four student visas.

The Utah revocations may have also come as a surprise to the U. students, since none of them were flagged for participating in protests, a University of Utah spokesperson said. The stated reasons, according to the University, “include ‘failure to maintain nonimmigrant status’ and/or criminal record check.”

University of Utah President Taylor Randall, along other U. leaders, said in a statement that the U. will continue to monitor federal immigration databases and will reach out to those who have been recently disqualified for student visas to provide support.

“We ask faculty, department chairs and deans to be flexible with all our international students as they complete coursework this semester. We urge you to reach out to friends and colleagues who may be struggling, particularly those who are facing unique challenges and upheaval in their lives,” according to the statement. “We are committed to supporting every member of our campus community as we navigate this time of enhanced federal immigration enforcement.”

Other public university students across the state have also been affected by the recent cancellations, The Salt Lake Tribune first reported. The Department of Homeland Security terminated the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, records of five Weber State University students. SEVIS is a DHS program that contains and oversees the essential information of students with different types of student visas, in addition to other work programs for recent graduates. Nine Southern Utah University students were also impacted by the same action.

It’s still unclear whether the termination of those records means the visas are revoked, a Weber State University spokesperson said.

The Utah System of Higher Education declined to comment on the students’ issues with their academic permits.

At Utah Tech, nine students had their I-20s canceled, a public information officer said. That’s a document issued by schools that certifies a student’s eligibility to study in the country.

At Salt Lake Community College, three students had their visas revoked, the institution confirmed.

“The circumstances around these visa revocations and SEVIS status changes remain unclear and these enforcement actions are happening with little or no advance notice to students or the College,” according to a statement from the college. “We will work closely with our international students to keep them informed and supported as we learn more while following state and federal laws.”

At Snow College, two students were impacted; and three Utah Valley University students were also affected, spokespeople for the institutions said on Wednesday. While Utah State University students have been affected, the school declined to provide exact numbers to protect the students’ privacy.

What we know about the U. students

Most higher education institutions haven’t released much information on the circumstances surrounding the terminations, since cases are still recent and uncertain.

However, Utah’s flagship university had some more details as of Wednesday morning. Approximately half of the students are from China, a spokesperson said in an email. The other half are from several countries including India and some Middle Eastern countries.

Similar actions from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State are routine, the spokesperson said.

“Over the course of any school year, international students may have their visas revoked or SEVIS records terminated as the result of an arrest or being charged with criminal activity,” the spokesperson said. Those activities may include domestic violence allegations or driving under the influence.

However, the U. leaders said in their statement, “a few university students’ changes in status have not been connected to a clear, specific interaction with law enforcement, and they face an uncertain path to restoring their right to study in the United States.”

But, what’s new is that SEVIS records are being terminated without any notification to the university or students. Many institutions have noticed the cancellations in routine checks of the system to verify students’ status.

“As a public institution of higher education, the University of Utah follows state and federal law. We are currently in a period of enhanced immigration enforcement,” the spokesperson said. “We are sharing guidance with our international students and scholars about the ways they can stay in good standing and maintain their visa status.”

In an email sent to international students, the U. advised to take proactive steps to preserve their visa status.

“While there have been no changes to immigration laws at this time, it is important to note that modifications can occur with little notice,” the university’s International Students and Scholar Services office wrote.

Other instructions also include avoiding nonessential international travel, maintaining full-time enrollment or, for recent graduates, employment; following all laws “including those related to alcohol, drug use, driving, and participation in public gatherings,” and keeping all immigration documents valid and readily accessible.

“It is recommended that you carry copies of your I-94 record, visa documentation, or passport stamps that demonstrate your lawful status,” the email reads.

Utah News Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.