INTERNATIONAL: 6,000 Student Visas Cancelled in US Crackdown
Massive Visa Cancellations Unveiled
The US State Department confirmed the cancellation of 6,000 international student visas as of August 2025, citing violations ranging from minor offenses to serious crimes.
Approximately 4,000 students breached US laws, including assault, drunk driving, and robbery, while 300 were flagged for terrorism-related activities under INA Section 3B.
The timing, coinciding with the academic year’s start, has heightened concerns among global student communities.
Trump’s Higher Education Reforms
Since assuming his second term in January 2025, President Donald Trump has prioritized overhauling the US higher education system, targeting perceived ideological biases in major universities.
A January bill aimed at curbing anti-Semitism introduced stringent measures, including potential deportation for students supporting pro-Palestinian causes.
These policies have sparked widespread debate over academic freedom and immigration enforcement.
Enhanced Social Media Vetting
In June 2025, the Trump administration paused new student visa interviews to implement expanded social media screening protocols, mandating applicants to disclose their online profiles.
Consular officials now scrutinize posts, comments, and likes to assess national security risks, a move critics argue stifles free expression.
This follows a directive requiring screenshots of “potentially derogatory” content for permanent records.
Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Activism
The administration has targeted international students involved in pro-Palestinian campus protests, with several facing arrests and visa revocations under a 1952 statute citing “adverse foreign policy consequences.”
High-profile cases include Columbia University’s Mohsen Mahdawi and Mahmoud Khalil, whose legal battles highlight tensions over First Amendment rights. The policy has drawn comparisons to post-9/11 surveillance tactics.
Harvard’s Legal Battle
The Trump administration’s decision to revoke Harvard University’s authority to enroll international students, affecting 6,800 students (27% of its enrollment), has triggered a legal standoff.
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order in May 2025, blocking the move pending further litigation. The restriction, part of broader funding cuts, threatens universities reliant on international tuition revenue.
Economic and Academic Impact
International students contribute $43.8 billion annually to the US economy, supporting 378,000 jobs, according to NAFSA’s 2023-24 data.
With over 1 million students comprising 6% of the national student body, the visa cancellations and policy shifts risk deterring future applicants. Declining international enrollment could strain university budgets and diminish global academic competitiveness.
Future Outlook
As the Trump administration refines its visa policies, the academic community braces for further disruptions. The outcome of pending lawsuits and potential new regulations will likely influence the future of international education in the US. Stakeholders urge transparent communication to mitigate panic and ensure compliance.