The Trump administration has revoked the visas of more than 600 foreign students at U.S. universities in recent months, signaling a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism and immigration.
According to Inside Higher Ed, a website tracking U.S. higher education, foreign students have had their visas revoked for participating in pro-Palestinian protests or, in some cases, for minor offenses such as speeding tickets. Some students have had their visas taken away without any clear reason or protest involvement. Many of those affected have not received official notice of their visa revocations, leaving universities unaware and unable to support them.
California State University, the University of North Texas, Northeastern University, and the University of Michigan are among those with the highest number of students targeted. Immigration lawyers argue that the U.S. government is using vague excuses to justify the visa revocations, further fueling concerns.
The Non-Profit Association of International Educators (NAFSA) called the level of revocations “unprecedented,” pointing out that the lack of clarity has created widespread anxiety among students. Many universities are unaware that their students are being targeted, making it difficult to track or support them.
The White House has justified its actions by citing the 1952 law, which grants the Secretary of State the authority to expel foreigners deemed a threat to U.S. foreign policy. Some of the recent visa revocations have been linked to accusations of antisemitism and concerns over national security.
One high-profile case involved Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and graduate of Columbia University, who was arrested in March by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. He had been involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations following Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which killed more than 50,000 Palestinians. Khalil, a green card holder, was detained and is currently being held in a Louisiana detention center, despite no charges being brought against him.
Other international students from countries such as India, the UK, Iran, and Turkey have also faced visa revocations or detentions by U.S. immigration agents.
On March 27, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that over 300 student visas had been revoked, accusing them of participating in protests that caused disruptions. “We deny visas every day, and we can revoke visas,” Rubio said.