US cancels over 6,000 foreign student visas

United States has revoked the visas of more than 6,000 foreign students, citing legal violations and national security concerns, according to the US State Department.

A State Department spokesperson said the cancellations were based on a range of issues, including assault, theft, drunk driving, and allegations of supporting terrorism, reports BBC.

However, no further details were provided regarding the specific nature of the terrorism-related claims.

Of the revoked visas, approximately 4,000 were linked to legal infractions, while between 200 and 300 were canceled under Section INA 3B — a provision that bars entry to individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activities.

The law defines such activities as acts that endanger human life or violate US laws.

According to BBC report, some of the visa cancellations also targeted students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests. The US administration has claimed that such demonstrations may fall under anti-Semitic or extremist behaviour, though the move has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates.

In May, Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Congress that thousands of student visas had been revoked since the beginning of the year, with more cancellations expected. “We will continue to revoke the visas of those who are here as guests and disrupt our higher education institutions,” he said.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration temporarily suspended international student visa interviews, later resuming them with stricter vetting procedures. Applicants were required to make their social media accounts public and were screened for any posts deemed hostile to US interests or supportive of foreign extremist groups.

Democratic lawmakers have condemned the visa revocations, describing them as an overreach and an attack on due process.

According to Open Doors, more than 1.1 million international students from over 210 countries were enrolled in US institutions during the 2023–24 academic year.