Trump’s F-1 visa crackdown targets students at top US universities: What the new rules say

Trump’s F-1 visa crackdown

Since taking office, US President Donald Trump has launched an aggressive crackdown on immigrants living in the United States, which has recently intensified. Top US universities, including Ivy League institutions, have reported that the visas of some of their students have been quietly revoked by US authorities.

The US Department of Homeland Security has started revoking visas of several international students across universities, citing national security concerns, alleged ties to pro-Palestinian activism, and, in some cases, even minor offenses like speeding tickets and shoplifting.

Among those affected are Indian post-doctoral scholar Badar Khan Suri—accused of 'spreading Hamas propaganda'—Palestinian green card holder Mahmoud Khalil, and Turkish scholar Rumeysa Ozturk from Tufts University. Many of the students facing visa revocations are reportedly linked to anti-Israel protests.

The list of colleges whose students visa has been revoked includes - Harvard, Stanford, Michigan, UCLA, Ohio State University, Columbia, Boston University and others.

Decoding the student visa and policies related to it

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 27 claimed that the State Department had already revoked the visas of more than 300 in-country foreign students.

The F-1 visa, the most common student visa in the U.S., allows international students to pursue full-time studies at accredited institutions. While it opens doors to world-class education, students must meet strict conditions—including full-time enrollment, limited off-campus work, and proof of financial self-support.

Regulations of F1 visa 

To qualify for and maintain an F-1 visa, international students must stay in good academic standing, show proof of sufficient financial support, and refrain from off-campus employment during their first year without special permission. The visa remains valid for the length of the academic program and can be extended if needed.

Deported for Speeding?

Student visas are typically revoked if the individual falls below academic standards, engages in unauthorized employment, or is deemed a public safety risk.

Although F-1 visas are being revoked for infractions like traffic violations, repeated speeding tickets and resolved shoplifting cases. Students have been urged to self-deport, even in cases where charges were dropped. Legal experts say such SEVIS terminations are rare and advise affected students to seek immediate legal help.

Can students fight back against revoked visas? 

Legal experts say international students have limited options to fight visa denials. Immigration attorney David Bardavid told The New York Times that successfully challenging a student visa denial in court is nearly impossible.

Even arrests without convictions or university disciplinary actions can prompt visa reviews. Lawyer Joseph Lento added that many students are unaware that even non-criminal incidents can put their immigration status at risk.

What happens after visa gets revoked? 

In the past, students with revoked visas could still stay in the US and finish their studies, though they couldn’t leave and re-enter without reapplying. Now, those who lose their residency status must leave immediately or risk detention.

Education leaders warn this shift may discourage international students. Sarah Spreitzer of the American Council on Education said the lack of transparency around revocations is fueling fear and uncertainty on campuses.

Visa crisis for Indian students

As part of the second Trump administration’s ‘Catch and Revoke’ policy, over 300 foreign students had their visas cancelled by March 27, according to Senator Marco Rubio.

Reports cited by The Hindu indicate that Indian students are among those impacted. With over 3.3 lakh Indian students in the U.S. during the 2023–24 academic year, concerns are growing within the community.

Amid a wider immigration crackdown, several Indian students have come under scrutiny—not for protest participation, but for social media activity like liking or sharing pro-Palestinian content, which has reportedly sparked investigations.

Columbia PhD student Ranjani Srinivasan was forced to self-deport after a surprise visa cancellation. Georgetown student Badar Khan Suri was detained over alleged Hamas links, which he denies, calling it targeted due to his wife's Palestinian background.