In a recent press conference, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt addressed the unexpected revocation of visas for international students at several state universities. Reports indicate that at least eight students at Oklahoma State University, four at the University of Central Oklahoma, and others across Oklahoma have had their education-related visas canceled. The news has raised concerns among university communities, given the vital contributions of international students to academic research, athletics, and university budgets through full tuition payments.

Governor Stitt made it clear that Oklahoma had no advance notice of the federal government’s actions. “The federal government handles those visas,” he stated. “We don’t have the authority to intervene or dictate who keeps their visa.” While the reasons for the revocations remain undisclosed, Stitt expressed confidence in the federal process, particularly under President Donald Trump’s leadership. “I trust that these decisions aren’t made lightly,” he said. “If a visa is revoked, it’s likely tied to something serious, like criminal activity or a threat to national security.”

STUDENT VISAS REVOKED-
While @GovStitt doesn’t know *why* these students in Oklahoma were targeted , he says he trusts President Trump.
"There is either some kind of criminal activity. There is something that’s happening with those visas that they say is a danger to the USA.” https://t.co/rzgl094mmr

— Wendy Suares📺 (@wsuares) April 10, 2025

Stitt also touched on broader national issues, noting that recent campus protests and disruptive behavior have heightened scrutiny of student conduct. 

“We see these crazies doing some kind of crazy protests and anti-Semitism,” Stitt said. “If you’re going to be knuckleheads and criminals, me and every Oklahoman — at least the Oklahomans I know — want those people out of our state and out of our country.” 

“Oklahomans expect students—international or otherwise—to respect our laws and contribute positively," he added. "If they don’t, they shouldn’t expect to stay.”

Stitt has been one of the strongest conservative voices in American politics. Oklahoma is the only state in the union that went all red in support of Donald Trump in the 2024 general election. 

#breaking OSU says 6 student visas have been revoked by the federal government. Details at 4 @kfor pic.twitter.com/pR5lfAUQZC

— Patrick Spencer (@made4tv) April 8, 2025

While standing firm on the need for accountability, Stitt voiced support for international students who enrich Oklahoma’s universities. “We want talent here,” he said, “but a visa is a privilege, not a guarantee.” He also renewed his push for greater state influence over employment-based permits, arguing that local leaders better understand Oklahoma’s workforce needs.

WATCH: Oklahoma international students' visas revoked at OSU, UCO pic.twitter.com/RjpD7iAMuq

— OU Daily (@OUDaily) April 8, 2025

In the 2023-24 academic year, more than 9,300 international students were enrolled in Oklahoma's public higher education system. The University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oklahoma State University (OSU) are among the top five campuses with the largest number of international students. 1,564 international students were also enrolled at OU during the spring of 2024. 

Oklahoma State University reports that 1,554 international students were enrolled at OSU during the spring of 2025. 

JUST IN “Six OSU student visas have been recently revoked by the federal government. The university is continuing to monitor the situation & is focused on providing appropriate guidance and support to those impacted.” Statement by Mack Burke:OSU Assoc. Dir Media Relations. @kfor pic.twitter.com/KBv3UyRjMr

— Tara Blume (@tcblume) April 8, 2025

The lack of clarity surrounding the visa revocations has left students, faculty, and university leaders seeking answers. No official statements have been released by the affected institutions, and the federal government has yet to provide specific details. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the delicate balance between national security, state interests, and the value of international talent in Oklahoma’s higher education system.

Governor Stitt’s remarks reflect a commitment to law and order while acknowledging the complexities of federal authority. For now, Oklahoma awaits further information as the impact of these revocations continues to ripple through its universities.