Imagine getting an email that your student visa is canceled, forcing you to leave the country immediately. For hundreds of international students in the US, this nightmare is now a reality.
Hundreds of international students in the US received shocking emails from the Department of State (DOS), informing them that their F-1 visas had been revoked. The reason? Alleged involvement in “anti-national” activities, including campus protests or even simply liking or sharing social media posts.
The crackdown doesn’t just target students who physically join protests—authorities are also going after those who simply like or share certain posts online. Some Indian students are among those affected, according to immigration attorneys.
Who’s Behind This Move?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the visa revocations, stating that authorities had canceled over 300 student and visitor visas so far. He defended the decision, saying, “Every country has a right to decide who enters as a visitor.”
Rubio’s office has also launched an AI-powered app called “Catch and Revoke” to identify and cancel visas of students allegedly supporting groups like Hamas. New visa applications are also under strict scrutiny.
Also Read: From Emoji Chats to Prison Tattoos: Inside Trump’s Wild Week
What Does the Email Say?
The email sent to students warns them to self-deport using a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) app introduced during the Trump administration. It states:
- Their F-1 visa has been revoked.
- Staying in the US could lead to fines, detention, or deportation.
- They must leave immediately and surrender their visa at a US embassy.
- Future visa applications will be reassessed—no guarantees.
What Happens Next?
Affected students must:
- Leave the US promptly.
- Hand over their passport to a US embassy for visa cancellation.
- Reapply if they wish to return—with no certainty of approval.
Rubio emphasized that a US visa is “not a birthright” and violations will lead to removal.
Also Read: Indian-American Lawyer Backs Trump’s Deportation Flights
Why Is This Happening?
The US government claims it’s targeting individuals involved in activities deemed “anti-national.” However, critics argue the definition is vague, and innocent students may be caught in the crossfire for minor online activity.
With over 331,000 Indian students in the US (as per recent data), this move has raised concerns about fairness and free speech.
Also Read: Indian Student Faces Deportation Over Alleged Hamas Ties Under Trump’s Crackdown
