The US State Department has revoked more than 6,000 international student visas, citing law violations, DUIs, burglary, and alleged terrorism support. According to official briefings and recent media reports, approximately 4,000 student visa revocations followed arrests or convictions for assault, DUI, burglary, and similar offenses.
Reasons for Visa Revocation:
– Criminal Convictions: 4,000 visas revoked due to arrests or convictions for assault, DUI, burglary, and other crimes
– Terrorism-Related Activities: 200-300 visas revoked for suspected support of terrorism, including alleged fundraising for Hamas
– Visa Overstays: Some students lost their visas for overstaying their authorized period in the US
Impact on Students and Universities:
– Sudden visa cancellations have disrupted housing, tuition, and enrollment plans for many students
– Universities report significant time spent on case-by-case triage, advising students, and protecting research timelines
– Some students face removal proceedings if they cannot fix their status quickly
Government’s Stance:
– The State Department emphasizes that visa revocations are not new and that past administrations used the same tool
– Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the initiative as necessary to preserve national safety, arguing that visas carry conditional authority rather than inherent rights
Criticism and Concerns:
– Critics argue that targeting students involved in political demonstrations may infringe upon free speech protections and due process principles
– Human rights groups warn that the policy risks being seen as discriminatory and politically motivated
– Universities across the US report sharp declines in applications from abroad since the policy’s enforcement in January.