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  • Tuesday, 19 August 2025

U.S. Revokes Over 6,000 Student Visas

U.S. Revokes Over 6,000 Student Visas

The U.S. State Department has revoked more than 6,000 international student visas this year, over violations such as overstaying, assault, DUI, burglary, and what it broadly defines as “support for terrorism.” Officials say roughly 4,000 were pulled due to criminal activity, while 200–300 were tied to terrorism under federal immigration codes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the move, stating, “There is no constitutional right to a student visa.”

 

The Trump administration’s crackdown has been especially focused on students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, with visa holders accused of antisemitism or endangering national security. In one case, a Turkish PhD student from Tufts was detained for over six weeks after co-authoring an op-ed critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, say these actions violate due process and are being used to punish free speech.

 

Visa vetting has also tightened significantly. Applicants must now make their social media public, with officers instructed to look for “hostile attitudes” toward U.S. values. These changes have already caused delays and a projected 30–40% drop in new international student enrollment. Groups like NAFSA warn this could cost local economies up to $7 billion and 60,000 jobs if numbers don’t recover soon.

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