Washington: For thousands of international students, the dream of studying in America has suddenly ended. The U.S. State Department confirmed on Monday that more than 6,000 student visas have been revoked, citing violations ranging from overstaying and criminal offences to suspected links with terrorism.
The sweeping action reflects President Donald Trump’s tougher stance on immigration and the increasing scrutiny of student communities, once seen largely as cultural ambassadors but now under the lens of national security.
Tragedy Rekindles Immigration Debate
The announcement came days after a tragedy in Florida reignited political debate. A semi-truck, driven by Harjinder Singh, an undocumented immigrant from India, attempted a wrong U-turn on the turnpike. The truck jackknifed, colliding with a minivan and killing three people. Investigators later found Singh had obtained a commercial driver’s license in California despite lacking legal status.
The Department of Homeland Security seized on the case to criticise Democratic-run states, accusing them of ignoring risks. “How many more innocent people have to die before leaders put safety before politics?” DHS officials posted online.
Who Lost Their Visas
Among the revoked visas, officials said around 4,000 were tied to crimes such as assault, burglary, or driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Another 200–300 were linked to suspected terrorism, with rules defining ineligibility as engaging in, or supporting, terrorist activities.
But not all cancellations were linked to violence. Some students found their visas cancelled after joining protests supporting Palestinians during the Gaza war. The administration argued that such activism threatened U.S. foreign policy and carried antisemitic undertones, a claim rights groups dispute.
Trump’s Harder Line
Since taking office, Trump has ordered tighter vetting of student visa applicants, with U.S. diplomats abroad asked to examine social media histories and political activity. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “hundreds, perhaps thousands” of students lost visas because their actions clashed with U.S. foreign policy interests.
Trump has also aimed at universities, accusing campuses of tolerating antisemitism. Harvard has been singled out, with threats of frozen funding and loss of tax-exempt status. The moves have alarmed educators, even as some European nations offer research grants to attract displaced scholars.
Clash of Security and Free Speech
Critics argue that revoking visas over protests risks silencing voices and undermining free speech rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. Supporters insist the measures are necessary to keep the country safe.
For now, the cancellation of over 6,000 student visas is more than a policy decision; it is a reminder of how the intersection of immigration, politics, and security continues to reshape the lives of students who once saw the U.S. as a safe place to learn and grow.
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