UNLV and the Mystery of the Outdated Visas

It stands to reason that when a person comes into a country on a slip of paper like a Visa, and that paper up and expires like a jug of milk in the Nevada sun, somebody somewhere might take notice. But not here.

Here at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, it seems the business of telling the truth about such things is considered downright impolite.

Word has trickled out–slow as molasses in January–that three more international students have had their visas revoked.

It comes on top of the four students who got themselves in the same pickle three weeks back. Seven souls, scattered between undergraduates, graduate students, and a handful making an honest dollar under something called “OPT,” which I reckon is one of those fancy government abbreviations that don’t mean half as much as it sounds.

The brass at UNLV sent out a letter–full of words but short on meaning– explaining that there ain’t no rhyme nor reason to these removals and that the affected students are as nervous as long-tailed cats in a room full of rocking chairs about their privacy and safety. And it’s no small wonder that nobody in the press or the schoolhouse wants to come right out and say the obvious–these young folks overstayed their welcome, and the great big federal hammer has come down.

Still, the university is doing its level best to sound neighborly. They say they’re partnering with the Nevada System of Higher Education and the great state of Nevada to “advocate” for the students– a word used when there ain’t a blessed thing to do except make speeches.

“We’re moving forward with calm, care, and support,” chirp the UNLV officials, “to ensure that our students and scholars from around the world continue to know that they belong here.” A right pretty sentiment–though it don’t change the simple fact that in the eyes of the law, belonging ain’t something you get just by wishing it so.