What UT Austin's Legal Status Letters Mean for Students — Vi Nanthaveth on KVUE
January 22, 2026
Table of Contents
The University of Texas at Austin has begun sending letters to certain students who do not hold permanent U.S. citizenship, requesting verification of their legal status. According to the university, these notices are intended to determine whether students qualify for in-state or out-of-state tuition. While primarily administrative, the letters have sparked concern among students and raised broader questions about privacy and compliance.
In a recent KVUE news segment, immigration attorney Vi Nanthaveth shared her perspective on the issue. She noted that while the letters themselves may not immediately signal legal consequences, there are important privacy considerations:
“It does kind of touch on the federal privacy law for these students, so there’s possibility that maybe just as a breakdown that particular portion could be something that could see the light of day as far as court is concerned, or maybe an injunction. But just to be safe, I would say start gathering these documents that I stated earlier and just have those ready to go in case they have to turn around and provide anything.”
Vi’s comments offer practical guidance for students navigating this process. Watch the full KVUE interview for details.
Share this Page
Schedule a Consultation with Nanthaveth & Associates
Get a brief consultation from our team. With our experienced immigration attorneys by your side, you’ll get the personalized guidance necessary for success.
Are you in need of help from an immigration attorney?
Don't hesitate to contact Nanthaveth & Associates. We have helped many people in the same situation as you. Contact us today for a consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
Or call us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a B-1 Visa?
A B-1 Temporary Business Visitor Visa is for individuals planning to participate in business activities inside the United States. Some included activities include contract negotiations, business consultations or conferences set for specific dates. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- The purpose your trip must be for a activities dealing with a legitimate business
- You plan on staying for a limited period of time
- You have the funds necessary to cover the expenses involved in your trip to the United States
- You have a residence outside of the United States, and you do not plan on abandoning that residence
- You are otherwise admissible to the United States
What is an H-1B visa?
An H-1B Visa allows corporations to sponsor immigrant workers who possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in an area of study related to the business of the company. It is a nonimmigrant visa.
Are there immigrant visas available for permanent employment in the U.S?
Yes. There are Permanent Worker Visas available in five different preference categories - EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5. The categories differ based on different skills, areas of study, and professions required for eligibility. EB-2 and EB-3 applicants are also required to obtain a Labor Certification from the U.S Department of Labor.
.avif)
.avif)