The US State Department has revoked more than 6,000 visas belonging to international students.
Officials cited violations of American laws, overstays, and growing security concerns as the major reasons behind the decision.
According to authorities, most of the revoked visas were linked to crimes including assault, burglary, and driving under the influence.
Others were flagged for what was broadly described as “support for terrorism,” though no detailed explanation was provided.
The revocations form part of a wider immigration crackdown by the Trump administration.
However, the action has already sparked debate among lawmakers and international education experts.
Reports show that roughly 4,000 visas were canceled due to direct criminal activities.
Meanwhile, an additional 200 to 300 were revoked under Section 3B of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which classifies terrorism-related conduct as a violation of US law.
The State Department did not define what qualified as “support for terrorism,” but critics point to the administration’s previous attempts to link pro-Palestinian demonstrations on US campuses with antisemitic behavior.
Earlier this year, the government briefly suspended visa appointments for international students.
Though services later resumed in June, applicants now face tougher screening measures.
One of the most controversial requirements is the disclosure of social media accounts, allowing officials to review potential hostility toward the US government or citizens.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the government’s stance during a recent hearing.
“We’re going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education facilities,” he told lawmakers.
Despite the administration’s justification, the decision has been met with sharp criticism.
Despite the new restrictions, America continues to rank as the top choice for global education seekers.
According to Open Door, more than 1.1 million foreign students were enrolled in US universities during the 2023–24 academic year.
