The US revoked more than 6,000 student visas in the middle of immigration crush

The United States government has revoked more than 6,000 visas owned by international students, citing immigration violations, criminal activities, oversays, and national security issues.

Officials confirm to the BBC that many cancellations are related to violations such as attacks, driving under influence (DUI), theft, and what is widely described as “support for terrorism.”

This action is part of a wider Trump administrative clampdown towards immigration and foreign students.

Although the Department of Foreign Affairs does not define what is a “support of terrorism,” critics note that the previous administration is aiming at students involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, accusing them of carrying out antisemitic behavior.

From the revoked visa, around 4,000 associated with criminal activities, while between 200 and 300 was canceled based on section 3B of immigration and national laws, which classified terrorism as an action that endangered human life or violating US law.

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Earlier this year, the government had also suspended visa appointment for foreign students before continuing in June under a tighter inspection protocol. Applicants are now asked to provide access to their social media accounts for filtering, allowing consular officers to detect signs of hostility to the US government, institutions, or its citizens.

State Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed harder steps during Mei’s appearance in front of parliamentary members. “We will continue to revoke the visas of the people here as guests and disrupt our higher education facilities,” he said.

The decision has attracted criticism from members of the Democratic Parliament who argues that the cancellation that sweeps damages the legal process and is unfairly choosing international students.

Apart from Clampdown, the US continues to be the center of international education. According to Open Doors data, more than 1.1 million foreign students were registered in American universities during the academic year 2023-24.