Over 1,800 US Student Visas Revoked, Indian Students Among Most Affected
Fresh data compiled by Inside Higher Ed has revealed that more than 1,800 F-1 and J-1 student visas were cancelled across the United States during the Trump administration, becoming a significant flashpoint in immigration policy. The tracking covered cases at more than 280 colleges and universities nationwide, highlighting a systematic issue that impacted international students, with Indian students forming a substantial portion of those affected.
Major Universities Report Significant Visa Cancellations
The data identified several prominent institutions that reported cases of visa revocations. Arizona State University recorded 100 cases, followed by Northeastern University with 40, Johns Hopkins University with 37, and Northwest Missouri State University with 43. Additional universities included the University of North Texas with 27 cases and the University of Pennsylvania with 8, among numerous others. Researchers emphasized that these figures represent only documented cases from their specific tracking initiative and do not reflect the complete nationwide total, suggesting the actual number could be higher.
SEVIS Terminations Linked to Minor Criminal Charges
Most visa revocations followed abrupt terminations of records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a crucial US Department of Homeland Security database that monitors international students' status. According to Chand Parvataneni, a US-based immigration lawyer, the majority of SEVIS terminations were connected to criminal charges. These ranged from drunk driving and petty theft to minor traffic violations such as overspeeding. In several instances, the charges had already been dismissed or resolved legally, yet still triggered visa cancellations.
Earlier in 2025, many Indian students received alarming emails from Designated School Officials (DSOs) informing them that their F-1 status had been invalidated and instructing them to prepare to leave the country. Several students challenged these moves, arguing that the cited cases were either old or had been closed, presenting documentation to support their claims.
Student Experiences: Relief After Reinstatement
One student in Austin shared his experience, revealing that his SEVIS record was terminated following a 2023 shoplifting arrest that was dismissed within a month. "After filing for reinstatement, my SEVIS was restored. I'm relieved," he stated. Another student from Hyderabad, studying in Missouri, reported that his SEVIS was revoked after a drunk driving arrest last year. "I didn't even apply for reinstatement. Last week, I was told my SEVIS was restored. I'm relieved as I'm close to finishing my studies," he explained.
Legal and Practical Implications for Students
Parvataneni noted that many SEVIS records were later reinstated, allowing students to continue their studies provided they maintain valid status. However, the process has significant implications:
- Students who travel abroad will require fresh visa stamping to re-enter the United States.
- Students who have already left the country must obtain a new visa to return, adding complexity and potential delays.
- The uncertainty and administrative burden have caused considerable stress among the international student community.
The data underscores the broader challenges faced by international students under shifting immigration policies, with Indian students particularly vulnerable due to their large numbers in US higher education. The cases highlight the need for clearer guidelines and due process in SEVIS terminations to prevent undue hardship on students pursuing academic goals in the United States.
