State Department Revokes Over 6,000 International Student Visas
In a bold move, the State Department has taken action by revoking more than 6,000 international student visas due to violations of US law and overstays. The agency highlighted that the “vast majority” of these violations were related to assault, driving under the influence (DUI), burglary, and alleged “support for terrorism”.
As the Trump administration continues its rigorous stance on immigration and international students, this latest development signals a firm crackdown on those who do not adhere to the laws and regulations of the United States.
Although the State Department did not provide specific details on what constituted “support for terrorism”, it is known that certain students who have expressed support for Palestine have come under scrutiny, with allegations of antisemitic behavior being raised.
Of the 6,000 student visas that were revoked, approximately 4,000 were due to visitors breaking the law. Additionally, the State Department disclosed that another 200-300 visas were revoked under the grounds of “terrorism done under INA 3B”, a code that broadly defines “terrorist activity” as actions that endanger human life or violate US law.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration temporarily halted scheduling visa appointments for international students. Upon resuming appointments in June, they announced a new measure requiring all applicants to make their social media accounts public for enhanced screening.
This screening process aimed to identify any indications of hostility towards the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States. State Department officers were instructed to carefully scrutinize applicants for any links to designated foreign terrorists, threats to national security, or involvement in unlawful anti-Semitic activities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed lawmakers in May that he estimated “thousands” of student visas had been rescinded since January. Rubio emphasized the ongoing efforts to revoke visas of individuals who disrupt higher education facilities as guests in the country.
While Democrats have criticized the Trump administration’s actions to revoke student visas, labeling it as an infringement on due process, the State Department remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
According to data from Open Doors, an organization that tracks foreign students, more than 1.1 million international students from over 210 countries were enrolled in US colleges during the 2023-24 school year, underscoring the significance of international education in the United States. — BBC
