Thanks to the Trump administration, ICE has been working hard to deport many people. While international university students and other immigrants are their main targets, professors are not free from worries. Dr. Hyeongseon Jeon is the latest example. The Assistant Professor at the University of Houston, Texas, recently discovered that his visa had been revoked, forcing him to return to South Korea immediately. While there’s no official statement linking this situation to the Trump administration, it’s hard not to be suspicious given the government’s aggressive stance toward all immigrants.
The news of the University of Houston Assistant Professor’s departure came via email. In it, Dr. Hyeongseon Jeon explained that he would have to stop teaching in the U.S. after his visa was unexpectedly terminated. He mentioned that this issue has affected many international scholars. Dr. Jeon stated that his last class would be on Tuesday, and that Dr. Jian Cao would take over his class for the remainder of the semester. He also wrote,
“I am truly sorry that I will not be able to finish the course with you, and I sincerely apologize for the sudden change. It has been a great pleasure working with all of you, and I’m grateful for the time we’ve shared this semester.”
A screenshot of Dr. Hyeongseon Jeon’s email quickly spread across the University of Houston subreddit. Many students who had the pleasure of being taught by the professor were shocked and saddened by the news. The general consensus is that the South Korean professor was not only a wonderful teacher but also a kind-hearted person. “He was my stats prof last semester! Amazing dude, my favorite moment was when he shared how much he liked Houston and was excited to see his kid make friends here ☹️,” one user commented.
Others could only shake their heads, questioning why the Trump administration found it acceptable to revoke the Texas professor’s visa so suddenly. “100% unequivocally the fault of this administration and every single person who voted for this. Hope you’re happy that dangerous **checks notes** Korean math teachers are being deported,” a Redditor mocked.
Some couldn’t accept his departure and were determined to defend his rights. “Tell him that the academic community stands with him in this injustice,” another user commented.
One user remarked that, in light of the current situation, it might have been a blessing in disguise for the University of Houston professor to leave the U.S. at this time. “Horrible and messed up what’s happening. This may be a blessing in disguise for him though if things continue to get worse here,” the user wrote.
