US State Department Revokes 6,000 Student Visas

The U.S. State Department has revoked more than 6,000 international student visas this year, citing “violation of law,” in a move that has sparked alarm within the global academic community.

According to official figures, around 4,000 visas were canceled due to offenses including assault, burglary, and driving under the influence (DUI). A further 200–300 revocations were issued under INA Section 3(B), which broadly categorizes acts deemed as “terrorist activity,” including actions that threaten human life or contravene U.S. laws.

The decision comes just weeks before the fall academic term, raising concerns that many students may be unable to begin or continue their studies on time.

Rising Scrutiny on International Students

The development is part of broader immigration enforcement measures, including expanded social media vetting and increased grounds for canceling student immigration status. Critics argue these policies lack individualized case reviews and risk punishing students for minor infractions.

Educational institutions, particularly those with large international student populations, warn that such actions may deter future enrollments. India, which sends more than 300,000 students annually to U.S. universities, is expected to be among the most affected.

Legal Pushback

Several cases of revoked visas have already reached U.S. courts. In one instance, an Indian Ph.D. scholar in South Dakota successfully challenged deportation after her student record was deleted over a minor traffic violation.

Global Impact

The uncertainty has prompted some students to consider alternative destinations such as Canada, the UK, and Germany, where visa regimes are seen as more stable. Analysts caution that a continued crackdown could weaken the United States’ position as the top global education hub.