An international student at the University of Oregon was ordered to leave the U.S. within 15 days after the Department of Homeland Security revoked their F-1 visa on March 28 — an action that could lead to deportation.
In an email obtained by The Daily Emerald, the university notified the student of the visa revocation — as legally required — writing in part, “I am writing to notify you that your F-1 SEVIS record was terminated today, March 28, 2025 by the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security.” The email went on to say the student had been identified in a “criminal records” check.
In a statement to The Emerald, UO cited “unspecified criminal charges” as the reason for the visa revocation. However, according to a UO student who spoke on behalf of the international student — who identified themselves as “Thimble,” an alias — the alleged criminal charges in question stem from a misdemeanor case from several years ago that was dismissed without a conviction.
Thimble is being kept anonymous out of fear of retaliation from the university and/or immigration officials.
Due to the anonymity of the student, The Emerald was unable to independently verify any potential past criminal charges or convictions. Still, Thimble questioned the relevance of any potential record.
“It’s a little upsetting because it’s a criminal record, yes. But the criminal record in question is from over four years ago and is from a dismissed misdemeanor case. The student wasn’t found guilty of anything. They weren’t convicted of a crime,” Thimble said. “It’s a little bit perplexing as to why the student had their visa revoked if they didn’t have any criminal charges.”
The student at the center of the case declined to speak with The Emerald during their legal battle.
In the email notification to the student, UO wrote, “Unfortunately, this action taken by DHS was done without advance notice to the UO and has immediate implications with regard to your legal status in the U.S. According to federal regulations, we are obligated to inform you that you have 15 days from today to leave the U.S. or consult with an immigration attorney on your options.”
According to Thimble, the university suggested seeking legal advice from a law firm in California; however, the student chose to pursue legal services independently. Thimble said that after doing so, the student was advised they should be legally allowed to remain in the United States for the time being due to a separate non-criminal legal case, which Thimble declined to comment further on.
What is an F-1 visa?
An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa that allows students to enter the U.S. and attend universities. If revoked, the student could be subject to deportation if they stay past the voluntary 15-day self-deportation period.
The student’s 15-day departure window — mandated by DHS — ends on April 12. Although the student has since been advised they may legally remain in the U.S. for now, Thimble fears Immigrations and Customs Enforcement could still act on the original order.
“As we’ve seen in the last several weeks, a lot of ICE’s actions feel to be outside the purview of the law, and so what they’re really worried about is, regardless of whether or not they’re legally allowed to stay in the United States, ICE could still come to take them to a detention center or to deport or kidnap them,” Thimble said. “In my conversations with them, that’s their biggest worry — that ICE comes regardless.”
Hundreds of student visas have reportedly been revoked across the country in recent weeks as part of President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown. Thimble said they want to see the university do more to protect its students — particularly its international students — amid the crackdown.
“I think the university should take every preventative measure it can to support its students and protect its students now and in the future. I advocate for noncompliance when ICE is concerned. I don’t think they should allow ICE on campus. I think they should make the campus as safe as possible,” Thimble said.
In an April 2 statement to The Emerald, UO spokesperson Eric Howald said the university was unaware of DHS’s move to cancel the student’s visa and that UO had no prior notification of the revocation.
“We are working to understand more about this situation and are committed to handling this matter with care and respect for the student’s privacy. When a student’s visa is revoked, the university offers any assistance we can provide,” the statement read.
According to Thimble, aside from recommending legal services, the university has offered no additional support or funding for the student to stay in the country. In response, university faculty member Kaleigh Bronson-Cook established a GoFundMe page to raise money for legal support.
As of April 8, the campaign has raised over $15,700 from more than 330 donors.
Thimble said that under the Trump administration’s push, they anticipate further UO student visas being revoked and hope the university will defend against future actions.
“We’re very scared to see whether more students will be targeted. I believe probably, unfortunately, more students will be in the coming weeks or in the coming months,” Thimble said. “I would hope to see the university take a more proactive stance.”
There is an “ ICE off campus” rally scheduled for April 11 at Johnson Hall in support of the student and against President Trump’s sweeping deportations.
