US Revokes Over 300 Student Visas Sparking Panic Among Indian and International Students

The Trump administration has revoked the visas of more than 300 students, triggering widespread panic among Indian and other international students living in the United States. The move, which has been linked to a broader crackdown on campus activism, has left students uncertain about their future, with fears of further deportations looming.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has intensified these concerns by suggesting that additional student deportations may be imminent. While the initial crackdown appeared to target students directly involved in campus protests, it has now expanded to include those who merely engaged with controversial content on social media. Reports indicate that students who liked, shared, or commented on so-called “anti-national” posts have also come under scrutiny.

This sweeping action has raised alarms among the international student community, particularly Indian students, who make up a significant portion of the U.S. foreign student population. Many fear that even minimal online interactions could lead to visa cancellations and forced departures. Students have reported instances of being abruptly notified of their visa revocations, leaving them scrambling for legal recourse or alternative plans.

Legal experts and immigrant rights advocates have criticized the move, calling it an overreach that could have long-term consequences for academic freedom and international student exchanges. Many universities have also expressed concern, warning that such measures could discourage future students from choosing the U.S. as a destination for higher education.

Several students affected by the visa cancellations have claimed they were unaware that their online activity could put their legal status at risk. Others have argued that they were exercising their right to free speech, a principle that U.S. institutions have traditionally upheld. However, with the current administration’s intensified scrutiny of campus activism, the line between political expression and visa compliance has become increasingly blurred.

The revocation of student visas has already led to deportations, and immigration authorities are reportedly monitoring social media activity more closely than ever before. Some students have deleted past posts or deactivated their accounts in fear of being targeted. Meanwhile, legal aid organizations have been inundated with requests for assistance from students seeking to challenge their visa revocations.

The move has also sparked diplomatic concerns, with governments of affected students, including India, expected to raise the issue with U.S. authorities. As the situation unfolds, many students remain in limbo, unsure whether they will be able to continue their studies or be forced to leave the country in the coming weeks. With tensions rising and more deportations possibly on the way, the future of international students in the U.S. has never felt more uncertain.