Eleven students at Eastern Illinois University had their visas revoked last week, according to Provost Ryan Hendrickson. 

Eastern has since sent out two separate emails to those affected by the change to support them academically, legally and internationally, according to Hendrickson. 

“We’re doing our best to help and advise them,” Hendrickson said. 

Hendrickson also said some of these students are seeking help from an immigration lawyer. 

Both Eastern’s administration and the affected students were caught off guard by the change as neither party was notified about it, according to Hendrickson. The reason why visas were denied is not clear.  

Instead, they learned of the change after checking the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, the website used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to record information related to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program schools across the country. 

The Daily Eastern News is looking further into the matter.  

Luke Brewer can be reached at 581-2812 or at lsbrewer@eiu.edu.