Trump Administration Revokes Over 500 U.S. Student Visas

The Trump administration has revoked over 500 student visas in recent weeks, marking a significant escalation in its crackdown on international students.

The move has left affected students scrambling to exit the United States while universities and immigration experts grapple with the unprecedented policy shift.

Reports indicate that visa cancellations have targeted students across Ivy League institutions and major universities, including Harvard, Stanford, and the University of California system.

The visa revocations stem from a range of reasons, including alleged involvement in campus activism, support for Palestine, minor criminal offenses, and participation in protests deemed “destabilizing” by federal authorities.

Some students reportedly lost their visas for sharing or liking social media posts critical of U.S. policies. The Department of State has instructed affected individuals to self-deport using the CBP Home App and reapply for new visas, though their eligibility will be reassessed during reapplication.

Universities have expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the visa cancellations. At Harvard, five students and alumni were stripped of their visas without prior notice.

Stanford reported six cases, while UCLA confirmed eight international students had their visas revoked. UC San Diego disclosed that one student was detained at the border and deported. Institutions have struggled to provide support due to limited information from federal agencies.

Historically rare, visa revocations were typically tied to serious criminal charges. However, the current wave signals a broader policy shift under Trump’s administration.

Immigration experts warn that the simultaneous termination of student statuses in the SEVIS database—used to track nonimmigrant students—has heightened risks of arrest and deportation for affected individuals.

The crackdown has sparked outrage among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, described the situation as “uncharted territory” causing widespread anxiety within the academic community.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey condemned the policy as “completely unacceptable,” emphasizing international students’ contributions to local communities and economies.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the actions, claiming his AI-powered app identified individuals supporting terrorist organizations. Critics argue that such measures undermine free speech and disproportionately target vulnerable groups.

Social media has been flooded with accounts from students facing deportation over minor infractions or perceived political affiliations.

International students contribute approximately $43.8 billion annually to the U.S. economy and support 370,000 jobs nationwide.

Experts warn that these aggressive policies could deter prospective students from choosing American institutions, potentially harming U.S. global competitiveness and cultural exchange.

As protests erupt on campuses demanding transparency and justice, legal challenges are expected to follow. Immigration attorneys anticipate a surge in lawsuits contesting visa revocations and status terminations as universities continue to advocate for their impacted students.