US State Department Cancels Over 6,000 Student Visas

The United States is witnessing a significant wave of visa cancellations affecting international students, as the Trump administration intensifies its national security measures. 

This year alone, over 6,000 student visas have been revoked, prompting legal disputes and diplomatic tensions while casting doubt over the future of international education in the country. The State Department attributes these cancellations to three main causes: legal violations, visa overstays, and security-related concerns. 

About 4,000 cases involve criminal offenses such as assault and driving under the influence. More troubling are the 200 to 300 cancellations issued under Section 3B of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which addresses links to terrorist activities. These actions have drawn criticism, especially from pro-Palestinian groups who argue that peaceful protesters are being unfairly targeted under vague definitions of “support for terrorism.”

Earlier this year, the government introduced several policy changes, including a temporary halt to visa appointments and the implementation of stricter screening processes. Since January, applicants for student visas are required to provide access to their social media accounts, allowing consular officers to review online behavior for signs of security threats or opposition to American values.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been a vocal supporter of these policies. In a May statement to lawmakers, he said, “We will continue to revoke visas for those who are here as guests but disrupt our educational institutions.”

He has also singled out students from China and those involved in activism related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as subjects of increased scrutiny. These measures have sparked strong criticism from civil rights organizations and political opponents who argue that the policies violate due process and unfairly equate political expression with security threats. 

University officials are also concerned about the negative impact on academic freedom and the reputation of US higher education. International students play a vital role in both the cultural diversity and economic strength of American universities. According to Open Doors data, more than 1.1 million international students from over 210 countries enrolled in US institutions during the 2023–24 academic year, contributing approximately $43.8 billion to the economy.

With the new academic year approaching, the sudden visa cancellations have left many students uncertain about their ability to enter the US or continue their studies.