Neither university has identified the students who lost their visas, said what countries they are from, or revealed whether federal officials provided any explanation.

At least nine students between the University of Colorado and Colorado State University have had their visas revoked by the Department of Homeland Security, spokespeople for the schools have said.

An immigration attorney told CPR News the students have the choice to either self-deport or stay and fight – but that leaves them open to being detained.