The British government has cancelled more than 2,500 visas of foreign students
studying at the London Metropolitan University (LMU). The students are now
desperately trying to find an alternative to being deported. Britain has given
the students 60 days to find other courses or leave the country. The mass
expulsion has created a scandal within Britain's academic community. Britain's
immigration officials said LMU was not following visa rules regarding
non-European Union students and so has removed its right to teach those outside
the EU. Critics of the move believe it is part of the government's attempt to
reduce migration into Britain by cutting down on overseas student numbers.
Britain's media is reporting the government's move will damage the country's
reputation as a provider of world-class higher education. They also say it will
cause as much as $1.5 billion in damage to the British economy. The average
student spends close to $50,000 each during their three-year stay in Britain.
People also note the decision is bad timing, as London is the host of the
Olympics and Paralympics. The students themselves are furious. They enrolled in
LMU in good faith, believing Britain to be a trustworthy and reliable country in
which to study. Student Camila Alvarez, 25, from Brazil, said: "This is
humiliating for us. We are here legally and have gone through a strict procedure
to get into Britain." (Breaking News English)
