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Governor: federal authorities control visas after reported revocations at state universities
Summary
Responding to reports that several international students had visas revoked at Oklahoma universities, the governor said visa decisions are made by federal authorities and said the state lacks the power to reverse revocations.
The governor responded to reporters’ questions about recent reports that some international students at Oklahoma universities had federal visas revoked by saying visa and work-permit decisions are made by federal authorities and are not within state control.
“I saw that report just like you. I think it came out today that, they were revoked. Two things. Number one, the feds control those visas, those work permits,” the governor said. He added that the governor’s office does not have the authority to prevent federal revocations.
The governor said he has confidence in the federal vetting process and offered his view on the matter: “I totally trust President Trump that they’re vetted those and, you know, and and so this is 8 people out of I don't know how many, how many visas, education visas we have here.” He said the state had not received advance notice about the revocations and that he did not know the precise reasons for the federal actions.
The governor said international students contribute to universities and to the state and that those who “follow our laws” and pursue education are welcome. He also connected the topic to broader concerns about campus protests and vandalism that some news reports have highlighted.
He did not provide details from federal immigration authorities or the universities about the specific reasons for the revocations, and he said the state could not override federal decisions.
