Washington — The United States has revoked more than 6,000 international student visas in a sweeping crackdown that officials say is aimed at addressing criminal violations and national security risks. The move, announced by the State Department, has sparked unease among universities and foreign students already grappling with heightened scrutiny in recent years.
According to State Department officials, the majority of cancellations stemmed from violations of US law, including assault, burglary, and driving under the influence. Authorities further revealed that hundreds of students lost their visas under terrorism-related provisions, specifically Section 212(a)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The enforcement also extended beyond criminal cases. US officials disclosed that visa officers reviewed “indicators of hostility” toward American citizens, culture, government institutions, and founding principles. In practice, this meant student applicants were evaluated not only on academic or legal grounds, but also on their online activity, including social media posts.
Universities expressed concern that the mass revocations would disrupt ongoing academic programs, particularly for international students from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa who constitute a significant portion of America’s graduate-level research community. Academic administrators fear the decision will deepen the climate of mistrust and discourage foreign talent from choosing the United States as an educational destination.
Critics argued that the policy risks conflating free expression with security threats, a move they say could further isolate the US on the global stage. Supporters, however, countered that the visa measures were a necessary safeguard at a time when Washington is hardening its posture on immigration and foreign influence.
According to the BBC, the revocation figures, noting that roughly 4,000 visas were withdrawn for criminal offenses, while another 200–300 were tied to alleged terrorist activity, as confirmed in State Department disclosures.
