COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — According to a spokesperson with Ohio State University, at least seven international students’ visas have been revoked with no clear explanation as to why.

The university said that these students and their attorneys along with the university are considering the next steps, but this ordeal is leaving some other students stunned. According to the United States’ citizenship and immigration services, an F-1 visa allows people to enter the country as a full-time student at an accredited college or university.

Ohio State is one of many colleges throughout the country that have been impacted as students from other institutions have received orders from the Department of Homeland Security to leave the country immediately.

Student Zella Poarch shared she is nervous about the future of other international students at the school and feel what has happened is unfair. “In all honesty, like my mouth has been to the floor in shock because I don’t understand how this is possible that it has gotten to this point where this is acceptable,” Poarch said.

The university spokesperson also noted that the students who had their visas revoked are currently still in the United States at this time. Student Isabella Scully-Tenpenny explained though she is glad they are still in the country it is still a troubling situation.

“I saw the headline and my initial reaction was just like, how can you do this?” Scully-Tenpenny said. “Like these students have worked so hard. Not like, not only here, but to get here. And then you’re just going to take it away.”   

In a letter to Ohio State faculty, staff and students, President Ted Carter said the university was not notified of the visas’ revocations nor has the university been told why they were revoked.

Carter added the students are receiving help from the university’s Office of Academic Affairs, Legal Affairs, International Affairs, Student Life, and Human Resources.

“I know these developments have created deep concern and uncertainty among many in our community,” Carter wrote. “While we recognize that visa decisions are the authority of the U.S. government and Ohio State plays no role in these decisions, I share a strong desire for clarity around these actions. Ohio State, after all, has long been – and will continue to be – proud to welcome students from all over the world, who add greatly to the life of our campuses and community. International students, visiting scholars and staff enrich the Ohio State experience for all, and we are a stronger university for their presence and contributions.”

Carter concluded his letter by asking the community to “continue to show grace and compassion to each other.”