U.S. Revokes Hundreds of Foreign Students’ F-1 Visas: Trump Administration Orders Voluntary Departure via Email; Indian and Other International Students Concerned
The United States has revoked the F-1 visas of hundreds of foreign students. The Trump administration has sent emails to international students studying in the U.S., instructing them to leave the country voluntarily. This action has been taken in response to student protests on university campuses and alleged anti-national social media activity. Indian students are among those affected. The government is using an AI-based application called “Catch and Revoke” to monitor and cancel visas.
Why Was This Action Taken?
The decision is reportedly linked to students’ participation in campus protests. Additionally, the government has taken action against students who have shared or liked alleged anti-national posts on social media. Indian students are among those impacted by this crackdown.
Who Ordered the Visa Cancellations?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that visas of foreign students allegedly involved in anti-national activities would be revoked. He stated that more than 300 visas have already been canceled, and the process is ongoing. He emphasized that every country has the right to determine who can stay within its borders.
How Are Students Being Monitored?
The U.S. government has launched an AI-based application called “Catch and Revoke”, which tracks students’ social media activities. If a student is found supporting Hamas or other banned organizations, their visa is revoked. Additionally, the visa application process has been made more stringent.
What Did the Email Sent to Students Say?
The email informed students that their visa had been revoked and instructed them to leave the U.S. voluntarily using the CBP Home app. It warned that students who remain in the U.S. illegally could face fines, detention, or forced deportation. Furthermore, students wishing to visit the U.S. in the future would need to apply for a new visa.
Warning from Secretary Rubio
Rubio stated that a visa is a privilege, not a right. He warned that anyone violating regulations would be required to leave the country.
Concerns Among Indian and Other International Students
The U.S. hosts approximately 1.1 million international students, including 332,000 from India. The strict new measures have caused anxiety and concern among foreign students, particularly those from India.
Understanding the F-1 Visa
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to pursue academic studies at accredited institutions in the U.S. These institutions include universities, colleges, high schools, seminaries, conservatories, and recognized language training programs. According to the U.S. State Department, Indian students have historically comprised a significant portion of the international student population in the U.S.
