Visa is reinstated for BYU student from Japan who had a fishing citation and speeding tickets

A Brigham Young University student from Japan discovered that his visa was reinstated last week after it had been abruptly revoked a few weeks ago, his attorney told NBC News.

A Brigham Young University student from Japan discovered that his visa was reinstated last week after it had been abruptly revoked a few weeks ago, his attorney told NBC News.

Suguru Onda, a doctoral student and father of five, had received a notice from government officials that his legal status was terminated because he was “identified in criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked.” 

Adam Crayk, his attorney, told the NBC News affiliate KSL-TV in Salt Lake City that Onda has no record aside from a few speeding tickets and a fishing-related citation, and that he believes AI software likely mistakenly terminated the visa. But he’s been given little explanation for the reversal.  

“I’m just grateful to be here,” Onda told KSL. 

The State Department declined NBC News’ request for comment.