KENT, Ohio — In a letter to the community Friday, Kent State University President Todd Diacon shared that a current international student and three recent recent graduates with postgraduate work permits had their visas revoked.

In his letter, Diacon said there have been similar reports at other Ohio universities. The university was not notified of this in advance or given a reason for the revocation. Diacon said they are working to connect with the students to make sure they are aware of the change in their status.

“Kent State values its international students. They are a part of our community. They are Golden Flashes,” he said in the letter. “We celebrate them at events throughout the academic year, and especially at Commencement. We are deeply committed to working with our current student to devise degree completion options, and with our recent graduates to assist with their situations. Our dedicated professors and academic leaders are devoted to this work, and we thank them for making the best of unprecedented circumstances.”

International students are cautioned to always keep a copy of their documents on their person and have other copies with family/friends in the area.

The university also offers guidance to faculty and staff in the instance that they are contacted by law enforcement.

"There are many factors here beyond our control, but we will continue to engage with law enforcement and our campus partners to make sure our university community is informed with the latest guidance,” Diacon said in the letter. “We realize for many, this news is upsetting. We encourage those in need to reach out to the Office of the Dean of Students at odos@kent.edu or Counseling and Psychological Services at 330-672-2487.”

Nationwide, a crackdown on foreign students is alarming college leaders, who say the Trump administration is using new tactics and vague justifications to push some students out of the country.

Students stripped of their entry visas are receiving orders from the Department of Homeland Security to leave the country immediately — a break from past practice that often permitted them to stay and complete their studies.

Some students have been targeted over pro-Palestinian activism or criminal infractions — or even traffic violations. Others have been left wondering how they ran afoul of the government.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.