Colleges and universities are encouraging international students to return to campus early this summer — or to not leave the U.S. at all.

This week, seven international students from Virginia Tech and two alumni had their visas revoked. In a letter from Virginia Tech President Tim Sands, the students were informed that their Student and Exchange Visitor Information Records had been revoked and terminated, meaning they must leave the U.S. immediately.

BLACKSBURG, Va – While most of the Virginia Tech Hokies have left Blacksburg until January, there is a group of students who will be spending the holiday in their college town. “I used to go back during the winter break in France to spend Christmas and New in the new year, like family. Parties family-related events there in France, but due to the COVID, nothing none of them will happen,” Virginia Tech Student David Alexandre said. But despite the work he has put into his classes, it’s been a hard year for David and his family. He was not able to travel back to France when his grandmother passed away last month.