The United States Department of State has confirmed the revocation of more than 6,000 international student visas, citing violations of U.S. law, overstays, and alleged ties to terrorism.
The move is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on immigration and foreign student programs, which officials argue is necessary to protect national security and public safety.
According to details provided to the BBC, the State Department revealed that the “vast majority” of cases involved criminal offenses such as assault, burglary, and driving under the influence (DUI). However, a significant number also fell under allegations of “support for terrorism,” a charge that the administration has broadly defined to include acts or expressions deemed hostile to U.S. citizens, culture, or institutions.
Officials further explained that approximately 4,000 visas were revoked because students broke U.S. laws, while between 200 and 300 cases were tied to terrorism-related violations under INA 3B — a section of U.S. immigration law that encompasses any act deemed dangerous to human life or in violation of federal statutes.
The revocations come amid heightened scrutiny of international students. Earlier this year, the Trump administration suspended visa appointments for student applicants, later reinstating them with stricter conditions. Among the new measures is an enhanced social media vetting system, requiring applicants to provide access to their accounts. Immigration officers are instructed to review online activity for signs of hostility toward the United States, or for expressions of support for designated foreign terrorist organizations.
Critics argue that the policy unfairly targets certain groups, particularly students who have publicly voiced support for Palestine. Administration officials, however, have defended the stance, describing some protests and expressions as “unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking before lawmakers in May, emphasized that the policy is far from over. “I don’t know the latest count, but we probably have more to do,” Rubio said. “We’re going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education facilities.”
The decision has sparked widespread debate in Washington and beyond. Democrats and higher education advocates have criticized the policy, labeling it an infringement on due process and a move that could damage America’s reputation as a global destination for education.
With over 1.1 million international students enrolled across U.S. colleges in the 2023-24 academic year, the scale of the revocations is significant. Students from more than 210 countries contribute billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy through tuition fees, housing, and living expenses.
Some students, facing uncertainty and fear of removal, have openly expressed regret for applying to U.S. universities under the new system. Meanwhile, advocates warn that the policy could push talented students to pursue higher education in countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia, which are seen as more welcoming.
For now, the Trump administration maintains that the revocations are essential to safeguarding American citizens and upholding national values. However, the debate over how to balance security, academic freedom, and international cooperation continues to intensify.
