Stand up for international students

I grew up in Iowa believing that our public schools and universities were places where opportunity and fairness went hand in hand — where students from all walks of life, and all corners of the globe, could come to learn, grow, and build a better future. That’s why the recent news out of the University of Iowa hits so hard.

Four international students had their visas revoked without explanation. No allegations, no hearings, just silence. And just like that, their lives were upended. Why? As an educator and proud Iowan, I can’t look the other way. These aren’t just bureaucratic snafus; they’re ethical failures.

This is personal. Iowa has long been known for its warm welcome, its strong public education system, and its leadership in global learning. But our global reputation is on the line now, and the stakes are too high to ignore. The message this action sends — to students, families, and scholars around the world — is not who we are. Or at least, it shouldn’t be.

We are compromising our values and risking our future. International students bring more than tuition dollars — which is a lot. They bring new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a spirit of innovation that enriches our urban and rural communities. They teach our children, join our research teams, contribute to local economies, and often choose to stay and build lives here. I can think of several. At a time when Iowa is already struggling with a brain drain, pushing out this kind of talent and heart is the last thing we can afford.

In moments like this, I support the 200 university presidents’ call for constructive engagement. Not the reckless abandon we are witnessing today. That means we don’t give up on our institutions, even when they let us down. It means we ask hard questions, speak up for what’s right, and push for the kind of change that reflects the Iowa we know we can be — one of fairness, inclusion, and integrity.

Let’s not walk away. Let’s step up.

We owe it to the students who came here believing in us. I work with them daily. We owe it to our neighbors, our kids, and our future. Let’s show the country — and the world — that Iowa still leads with heart and common sense.

H. Alan Heisterkamp, Ed.D. is an Iowa native and longtime advocate for public education, school safety, and international collaboration in higher education. He currently serves as a high school counselor at the American School of Bombay in Mumbai, India, and is a former director of the Center for Violence Prevention at the University of Northern Iowa.