Ready or not, the U.S. State Department just pulled the plug on over 6,000 student visas 🎓❌, marking one of the toughest immigration crackdowns in recent years. An official said most were canceled due to legal violations, while a smaller group faced allegations tied to support for extremist activities.
- 4,000+ for breaking U.S. laws (mostly assault)
- 200–300 for alleged terror links
Under the new hard-line approach, U.S. diplomats are vetting applications more strictly, digging into social media activity and past political activism. This shift follows directives aimed at spotting applicants considered hostile to U.S. interests.
The move also reflects broader tensions on campus. In recent months, the Trump administration has taken aim at top universities, accusing them of harboring antisemitism amid student protests for Palestinian rights. Even Harvard drew the president’s ire, with threats to strip its tax-exempt status as European nations queued up to attract academic talent.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he has canceled hundreds, possibly thousands, more visas over activities deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy. Officials warn that students critical of Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war or seen as pro-Hamas could face deportation.
For aspiring international students, these developments raise tough questions: Is the U.S. still the dream destination, or will other countries steal the spotlight? 🌍✈️
Reference(s):
U.S. State Dept revokes more than 6,000 student visas, official says
cgtn.com
