Press Releases

Congresswoman Wilson Fights to Safeguard Holiday Travel for Over 250 International Students Attending Florida Memorial University

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson today issued the following statement on the status of international visas for students attending Florida Memorial University following this weekend’s report in the Miami Herald:

“At the request of Florida Memorial University and President Lewis, my office worked closely with federal immigration authorities to ensure that the more than 250 international students who attend FMU will not have their holiday travel disrupted. The problem is now resolved and international students can now travel over their holiday break without worry.

“After an unfortunate oversight of federal paperwork during a routine recertification process, FMU will soon return back to ‘active’ status and comply with all federal immigration regulations. My office has contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to fast track FMU’s application and ensure that student visas will remain unchanged and there is absolutely no risk of deportation.”

Florida Memorial University, located in Florida’s 17^th District, is a private four-year, co-educational liberal arts institution and a renowned Historically Black College and University (HBCU). FMU ranks ninth in the nation in the number of African American graduates who go on to become teachers.

Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a first-term congresswoman representing the 17^th District of Florida, including Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward Counties. She is a former state legislator and school principal and the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.