Recent legal actions have been taken by international students in response to the sudden revocation of their visas by the government led by Donald Trump. These students allege that their due process rights were violated when their authorization to remain in the United States was abruptly canceled. The federal government’s actions have placed hundreds of students at risk of detention and deportation. Educational institutions affected range from prestigious private universities like Harvard and Stanford to large public entities such as the University of Maryland and Ohio State University, as well as smaller liberal arts colleges.
Since mid-March, at least 901 students from 128 colleges and universities have experienced visa revocations or legal status cancellations, according to a review of university statements and communications with school officials. In lawsuits filed against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), students contend that there was no legitimate basis for the government to revoke their visas or legal status.
The reasons for visa cancellations can vary, but universities report that some students are being targeted for minor infractions, including traffic violations, some of which occurred long ago. In some instances, the reasons for targeting certain students remain unclear. Legal representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan have argued that the timing and uniformity of these cancellations suggest a possible national policy by DHS, whether officially documented or not, aimed at mass cancellation of students’ legal status.
In New Hampshire, a federal judge recently issued a restraining order in the case of Xiaotian Liu, a Chinese computer science student at Dartmouth College, whose status was revoked by the government. Similar legal challenges have been filed in federal courts in Georgia and California. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security have not commented on these cases.
In several high-profile instances, including the detention of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, the Trump administration has argued for the deportation of individuals without citizenship based on their involvement in pro-Palestinian activities. However, universities maintain that in the majority of visa cancellation cases, there is no evidence of students participating in protests.
According to the Migration Policy Institute, the scrutiny faced by international students is part of a broader examination by the Trump administration of immigrants from all categories. Students from other countries seeking a student visa, generally an F-1 visa, must meet several requirements. After being admitted to a US school, candidates undergo an application process and interviews at a US embassy or consulate abroad. F-1 visa holders must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to study in the US, maintain good academic standing, and are typically limited in their ability to work off-campus during their academic program.
Visa issuance is managed by the Department of State, while the legal status of international students in the US is monitored by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program under DHS. Recently, many universities discovered their international students’ resident status was canceled when staff checked a database managed by Homeland Security. In the past, students’ legal status would update after schools informed the government that they were no longer enrolled. Without resident status, students risk being detained by immigration authorities, leading some to leave the country and abandon their studies to avoid arrest.
Universities fear that these visa cancellations and detentions may deter international students from pursuing studies in the US. The lack of clarity regarding revocation causes creates a sense of fear among students, as noted by a representative from the American Council on Education. Institutions are striving to reassure students, requesting federal explanations and emphasizing travel precautions, such as carrying passports and immigration documents.
University leaders have expressed growing uncertainty and anxiety, with some, like the chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston, Marcelo Suárez-Orozco, urging reflection on how to best prepare, protect, and respond to these unprecedented challenges. Suárez-Orozco reported the cancellation of legal residency for two students and other community members, including recent graduates in training programs.
The Societal Shift
The impact of these visa revocations extends beyond the immediate concerns of affected students. The uncertainty surrounding international student visas could potentially discourage prospective students from choosing the United States as a destination for higher education. This could lead to a decline in cultural diversity and reduced opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges on campuses, affecting the academic environment and diminishing the US’s position as a global leader in education.
Furthermore, the situation may have economic implications, as international students significantly contribute to the US economy through tuition, living expenses, and other expenditures. A decrease in international student enrollment could impact local businesses and the broader economy.
On a personal level, students facing visa revocations experience heightened stress and anxiety, which can affect their mental well-being and academic performance. The lack of transparent communication from authorities exacerbates these concerns, leading to uncertainty about their future and potential career setbacks.
