The US government’s recent crackdown on international students has sparked alarm, particularly among Indian nationals.
According to a report by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), nearly half of the 327 recent visa revocations tracked by the organization involved Indian students.
In its brief titled "The Scope of Immigration Enforcement Actions Against International Students," AILA noted that 50% of the affected students were from India, followed by 14% from China. Others came from countries like South Korea, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Over the past four months, the US State Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have intensified screening of international students, including their online activity and potential involvement in campus protests.
Allegations suggest artificial intelligence is being used in this surveillance, which critics warn could result in wrongful targeting of students without any criminal background or protest involvement.
In March, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the launch of the “Catch and Revoke” initiative, aimed at scrutinizing student visa holders’ behavior — specifically their social media activity for signs of antisemitism or support for Palestinians and Hamas.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), operated by the Department of Homeland Security, is used to track international students and exchange visitors.
According to an ICE release, visa records for 4,736 students — mostly on F-1 visas — have been terminated in SEVIS. AILA has called these administrative actions “unprecedented,” noting that they raise serious legal questions that may require court intervention.
The fallout has been particularly severe for students on Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program that allows F-1 visa holders to work in the US for up to 12 months.
Half of the 327 revoked visas belonged to OPT participants, who are now unable to continue working. The most affected states include Texas, California, New York, Michigan, and Arizona.
The Indian government has taken note of the situation. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the issue, stating, “We are aware that several Indian students have received communication from the US government regarding their F-1 visa status. We are looking into the matter. Our Embassy and consulate are in touch with the students.”
