Student Visa Cancellations Spark Concerns Over Due Process and Fairness

AI Surveillance, Secret Cancellations: Is U.S. Education Still Safe for Foreign Students?

The challenges faced by Indian nationals residing in the United States have escalated in recent times, reflecting a complex and precarious immigration landscape. Reports have surfaced of increased green card cancellations and threats to temporary work visas, signaling heightened scrutiny of immigrant populations. Further complicating the issue, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been introduced to screen international students for potential deportation, adding a new dimension to immigration enforcement policies.

Alarming reports have emerged of student visas being revoked, including those of many Indian students, for minor infractions such as shoplifting or speeding. In these cases, individuals are allegedly given just 15 days to leave the country, leaving little room for legal recourse and raising significant concerns about procedural fairness and the availability of viable alternatives. This troubling trend disrupts the lives and aspirations of the affected individuals and underscores broader ethical and legal questions about the application of technology and the exercise of discretion in immigration enforcement. These developments are viewed as part of a broader hardline immigration stance associated with the Trump administration and have notably impacted Indian students, who now represent the largest group of international students in the U.S.

According to the Open Doors Report, the U.S. hosted 1,126,690 international students during the 2023–2024 academic year, contributing an estimated USD 43.8 billion to the economy and supporting over 378,000 jobs. As of November 2024, Indian students had surpassed Chinese students in number, signaling a major shift in international education demographics. The visa application process for students entering the U.S. typically involves applying for F-1 visas for academic programs, M-1 visas for vocational training, or J-1 visas for exchange programs. This includes submitting the DS-160 form, paying the SEVIS fee, and undergoing an in-person interview. However, recent reports have shown a decline in student visa approval rates. Specifically, the number of student visas granted to Indian nationals in the fiscal year 2024 dropped by 34% compared to the previous year.

Additionally, the Trump administration has been revoking visas of students already enrolled in U.S. colleges. On April 4, Stanford University reported that six students had their visas revoked, contributing to an increasing number of similar cases. In response to this uncertainty, colleges are advising students to carry their immigration documents at all times. Sarah Spitzer, Vice President of the American Council on Higher Education, described the situation as highly unusual, noting that visa revocations had traditionally been reserved for serious security threats rather than minor breaches or social media activity.

Several Indian students have reportedly been forced to self-deport following sudden visa cancellations linked to minor infractions as part of a broader federal crackdown. Leading U.S. universities, including Harvard and Arizona State University, have expressed surprise at the wave of visa revocations. Harvard confirmed that three of its students were affected, while Arizona State reported approximately 50 students impacted. Internal reviews at these institutions revealed what have been termed “silent” cancellations, prompting universities to refer students to legal support services and seek clarification from federal agencies.

As of March 2024, over 300 student visas had been revoked. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a public statement, described students involved in certain political activities as “lunatics,” with the administration reportedly focusing on students from universities perceived as anti-Israel. A high-profile case involved a Fulbright Scholar from Turkey, studying at Tufts University, who was detained after participating in pro-Palestinian protests, sparking national concerns over the targeting of political expression. In terms of legal recourse, the American Immigration Lawyers Association released a policy brief detailing potential steps international students can take if their SEVIS record is terminated. The brief noted that while students can request reinstatement through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the process is typically slow and unlikely to succeed due to current administrative priorities.

The reinstatement process cannot be expedited, and students are not permitted to work, intern, or participate in practical training during this time. Moreover, filing for reinstatement involves acknowledging a status violation, which can lead to costly legal battles. Immigration judges reportedly do not have the authority to review cases if reinstatement is denied. If a student’s visa is revoked, they can remain in the U.S. to undergo removal proceedings, during which they can challenge the case against them with legal counsel at their own expense. Self-deportation is considered a last resort, and students may remain in the country to argue that they should not be deemed removable or inadmissible.

Rajiv Khanna, Managing Attorney at Immigration.com, has advised Indian students to regularly check the email used during their visa application for updates, maintain records of their enrollment and academic status, and avoid international travel due to new AI-driven social media screening introduced under executive orders 14161 and 14188. Khanna also warned that seeking SEVIS reinstatement is a slow and risky process, often leading to unfavorable outcomes.

During this waiting period, students are prohibited from working, interning, or participating in practical training, and immigration judges cannot review reinstatement denials. The Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts urged colleges to proactively consider ways to better protect international students. Khanna recommended that institutions provide clear guidance, establish response protocols for visa revocations, and monitor enforcement policies, especially to safeguard against discrimination. In this uncertain climate, Khanna emphasized the importance of collective support from universities and immigration lawyers for Indian students. He urged students to stay informed, cautious, and well-prepared in navigating the increasingly complex and unpredictable immigration system. Indian students in the U.S. are facing an increasingly difficult and uncertain future due to tightened immigration policies and bureaucratic challenges.

Editor’s Note:

The recent cancellation of student visas and tighter immigration actions are worrying. They show a shift toward a stricter and sometimes unfair way of enforcing immigration rules. For years, the U.S. has been a top choice for international students because of its strong and diverse education system. But these new changes raise questions about how fair and open the system is. Taking away visas for small mistakes like shoplifting or speeding not only affects students’ futures but also shows a lack of fair treatment. Giving them just 15 days to leave the country, with little chance to appeal, puts them in a very difficult position. Using AI to monitor students’ social media also brings up concerns about privacy and fairness. National security is important, but the rights of students—who contribute a lot to U.S. universities and the economy—should not be ignored.

According to Skoobuzz, it is important that universities, legal experts, and the government work together to make the rules clearer and more fair. Students deserve better protection, open communication, and a system that doesn’t punish them unfairly. The U.S. must do more to support international students and protect their right to learn and grow in a safe, respectful environment.