visa revocation

For thousands of Indians, the Optional Practical Training work window after graduation made the expensive US education gamble worth taking. A new fraud crackdown could change that

US legal immigration, particularly for students and skilled workers, has seen a steeper decline than illegal entries under the Trump administration. International students face increased visa hurdles and uncertainty, while H-1B visa issuances are pressured by higher fees and stricter rules. This trend risks impacting US innovation and competitiveness.

A prudential visa revocation is not permanent; it is a temporary and precautionary cancellation done out of prudence or caution. If a person is present in the US when the visa is prudentially revoked, they remain in the US until the normal expiration of the visa. The visa revocation does not nullify one's permission to stay in the US as the visa revocation means the visa stamp in the passport is canceled but not the status.

The Trump administration has revoked 85,000 visas this year, a significant increase from last year, citing reasons like DUIs and assaults. This move is part of a broader crackdown on immigration, impacting various visa categories. Some visas were also revoked on account of celebration for Charlie Kirk's murder.

The US Department of Justice has reversed visa revocations for dozens of international students at Utah universities after a controversial move by the Trump administration. Affected students, including those from the University of Utah, Southern Utah University, and Salt Lake Community College, saw their visa statuses reinstated following a court hearing on March 27, 2025. The reversal has brought relief to students fearing deportation and prompted universities to offer support and guidance to international students across the state.

The US Embassy in India has warned Indian students via X that violating US laws can lead to student visa revocation, deportation, and future ineligibility. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, grounds include status violations, unauthorised employment, or arrests for offences like driving under the influence. Recent actions revoked over 6,000 visas for breaches such as assault or terrorism support. Indian students must comply to avoid bars on re-entry and protect their educational opportunities abroad.

International students, largely from India, are challenging ICE's policy allowing SEVIS terminations based on visa revocations, arguing it's unlawful and violates due process. The lawsuit, filed against ICE, DHS, and the Secretary of State, seeks to restore students' immigration status and strike down the new ICE policy. They claim the policy was implemented without proper procedure and exceeds ICE's authority.

The US State Department has cancelled over 95,000 visas this year. More than 8,000 of these were student visas. Officials state safety concerns are the reason for these cancellations. This impacts international students' ability to study and remain in the United States. Universities are issuing guidance but have no power over these decisions. The situation highlights increased visa enforcement.

The US embassy in India warned Indian and international students about strict visa compliance. The embassy emphasized that dropping out, skipping classes, or leaving programs without notifying schools could lead to visa revocation and future visa ineligibility. Students were urged to maintain full-time enrollment, attend classes, and stay in touch with their Designated School Officials to protect their student status and academic futures in the United States.

The US State Department has revoked over 100,000 visas in 2025, a record high, following President Trump's executive order for stricter vetting. This surge, impacting student, work, business, and tourist visas, is attributed to criminal activity, overstays, and enhanced screening, including a new 'continuous vetting' system.

More than 340 international students and researchers, including a Harvard Medical School researcher, have faced visa revocations and deportation threats in 2025. The US government's increasing use of visa revocations for minor infractions or without explanation has sparked widespread fear among foreign nationals in prestigious universities. Cases like Kseniia Petrova's, who was detained by ICE, highlight the growing concerns over due process, legal rights, and the unpredictability of deportation amid US immigration policies.

The US faces scrutiny for its increasing visa revocations and SEVIS terminations targeting international students, disproportionately affecting Indians. AILA reports 50% of such cases involve Indian students, raising concerns about arbitrary actions. Despite a surge in Indian students pursuing US education, anecdotal evidence suggests a decline in aspirations.

The Trump administration initiated a comprehensive review of over 55 million U.S. visa holders, including tourists, to identify potential violations leading to visa revocation and deportation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio paused work visas for foreign commercial truck drivers, citing public safety concerns and the economic impact on American truckers.

The Trump administration is reviewing all 55 million valid US visa holders for potential legal or security violations, with over 6,000 student visas already revoked. Indian students are facing intensified scrutiny, including social media checks, digital device reviews, and background vetting using law enforcement databases. Even minor or dismissed charges may now impact visa status. Universities have adjusted policies to remain compliant, while students are urged to exercise caution online and ensure strict adherence to immigration rules.

As US immigration policies evolve, Indian students face increasing challenges when aiming to study in the country. With rising visa rejections, stricter regulations, and heightened scrutiny over personal activities, the path to higher education in the US has become more complex. Key changes include visa revocations without notice, potential cancellation of the OPT program, and stricter visa renewal processes, making it essential for students to stay informed and prepared.

A new ICE memo threatens international students whose SEVIS records were recently reinstated, potentially creating gaps in their records and jeopardizing their legal status. This policy allows for SEVIS termination based on visa revocations, raising concerns about due process and potential deportation. Immigration attorneys anticipate legal challenges to address these issues and protect students from adverse consequences.

The US embassy in New Delhi has cautioned Indian students about potential visa revocations for skipping classes or dropping out without informing their institutions. Adherence to visa terms is crucial to maintain student status and avoid future visa ineligibility.

Over 200 international students are suing the US State Department after their visas were revoked, impacting their ability to travel. Despite court-ordered SEVIS record restorations, many face continued visa denials, disrupting studies and personal lives. Attorneys argue these revocations, part of a broad initiative, bypassed necessary individual reviews, leading to significant hardship.