Following confirmation from Stony Brook University’s Office of the Provost that 11 international students’ visas have been revoked by the United States government as of Thursday, Apr.10, the Stony Brook community has expressed support for those affected.
During the weekly Stony Brook Undergraduate Student Government (USG) meeting that same day, Vice President of University Affairs and incoming President Sarah Elbaroudy provided an update on their course of action.
“We are still making plans on how to react to this, but we will be reaching out to SUNY undocumented ally groups to see what they are doing and how we can partner with them,” Elbaroudy said. “Myself and other students will be meeting with University leadership to see what steps the University is taking as well.”
She emphasized that although these difficult situations may leave students feeling helpless, there are still ways to take action. Elbaroudy presented a slide outlining specific actions the USG Senate and Executive Council can take to address this issue, which was provided by the School of Social Welfare.
The slide was broken into three parts: advocacy, education and support.
The advocacy portion read, “Speak out for the rights and fair treatment of immigrants, ensuring that their voices are heard in policy discussions. In this political climate, we must work to influence laws and policies that impact immigrant communities, challenging unjust practices and fighting for systemic change.”
The slide also recommended following the New York Immigration Coalition to stay informed on upcoming actions.
For the education portion, Elbaroudy encouraged students to learn about their rights and share that information with their peers, especially immigrants.
The final part of the slide encouraged students to support the immigrant community, specifically through organizations that offer resources.
“You can support local agencies such as [Long Island Immigration Clinic], SEPA Mujer, Make the Road [New York] and [Central American Refugee Center] to make a difference on Long Island,” Elbaroudy said.
The following day, Friday, Apr. 11, an Instagram post was made and signed on behalf of 20 Stony Brook clubs and organizations, expressing solidarity with the students affected by the visa revocation.
“We are deeply disturbed by the recent news that the federal government has terminated student visas for international students across the country,” the statement read. “These actions are not isolated incidents — they are part of a broader pattern of xenophobic and racist policies targeting immigrant communities.”
“Stony Brook is stronger because of its global community. We believe in protecting the dignity, safety and right to education for all students — regardless of their immigration status,” the post continued to explain. “To those impacted: You are not alone. We see you, we value you and we will continue to advocate for your protection and success”
“Our organizations are committed to creating and defending spaces where all students – especially those targeted by unjust policies — can feel safe, supported and empowered. Injustice against one of us is injustice against us all,” the post closed with.
The post was attributed to Jubilé Latino, Black World, Ecuadorian Student Organization, Latin American Student Organization, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin, Lambda Upsilon Lambda, United Greek Council, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Caribbean Student Organization, Caribana, Cadence, African Students Union, Haitian Student Organization, Black Womyn’s Association, Alpha Phi Alpha, Diamond Wolfettes, Peace Action, Pan African Muslim Association and ColorStack.
Similarly, on Tuesday, Apr. 16, USG shared a lengthy post on their Instagram to inform the Stony Brook community of their support for those affected and how they intend to address the issue.
“We want to express our immense support for our international peers and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring they feel safe, supported and informed. We denounce the discriminatory practices being perpetuated by the current U.S. administration,” USG wrote. “We are dedicated to speaking out to protect these students and working with members of the [Stony Brook] administration to ensure action is being taken.”
Further in the post, USG included educational information for students to understand their rights.
“If you are approached or questioned about a student’s visa status, we encourage you to politely decline. We ask that you respect their privacy and avoid making assumptions about their status. If you are asked to provide information, inform university police or general counsel immediately,” USG wrote.
The Instagram post reassured students that the University does not maintain records identifying undocumented individuals. USG further explained that, according to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, it is illegal to disclose a student’s visa status and other personal information.
At the end of their post, USG shared additional resources to support students during this time. They reminded students experiencing hardship that they can apply for assistance through the Student Emergency Support Fund.
For those looking to offer help, USG encouraged donations toward the fund. The post also provided the contact information for the New York State Office of New Americans Immigration Hotline at 800-566-7636, which offers referrals to free legal help and programs.
On Wednesday, Apr. 16, members of the Stony Brook student body, faculty and community members protested outside the Administration Building as a sign of solidarity.
Over 100 protestors gave speeches, chanted and walked to the Office of the Provost to present demands to protect the Stony Brook international, undocumented and immigrant community.
Protestors wearing a neon vest handed out educational sheets to those in attendance educating them of their constitutional rights on the basis of the Fourth and Fifth Amendment. They also advised students to not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement before speaking to a lawyer.
An international student, who requested to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, shared their fear of potentially having their visa revoked as well. They expressed gratitude for the support and advocacy shown by the Stony Brook community during this challenging time.
“I’m very stressed. It’s very disheartening and heartbreaking for me to know [everything] I have right now — [everything] I’ve worked for my entire life — could all be gone in a moment,” they said. “I’m still scared, but I feel a little more encouraged knowing that the [Stony Brook] community is behind me, supporting me and working for things to be a little better.”
They continued to encourage other international students to not lose hope and remain strong during these difficult times.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s very scary [and] tragic times, the sense that … there’s nothing that can stop or counter the climate of the country right now,” they said. “Always do what’s right and prove to these people that you are a worthy person.”
The student advised those who are part of the international, undocumented or immigrant community to use resources provided by Stony Brook such as Counseling and Psychological Services and the Office of Global Affairs.
