Hundreds of international students across the United States are facing unexpected visa cancellations and terminations of their legal status, triggering widespread fear and uncertainty on college campuses nationwide.
“We thought it was unusual at first,” said Boston-based attorney Matthew Maiona. “Now it’s coming fast and furious.”
Read also: Here are 8 visa reforms expatriates in Nigeria you need to know
An Associated Press review found that at least 901 students from 128 colleges have been affected, though advocacy groups believe the real number may be significantly higher. While many impacted students are from India and China, attorneys report that no geographic region appears to be immune.
Some students have reportedly been penalised for minor infractions — including simple traffic violations.
Read also: US tightens visa interview rules for Nigerian applicants
In Michigan, four students have filed a lawsuit against the federal government, claiming their status was revoked without clear explanation. Similar legal actions are being taken across the country, with judges in states such as New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Montana temporarily restoring the legal status of some students.
In a notable departure from previous procedures, universities are now learning about these terminations directly through the government’s immigration database — often before the affected students themselves are notified.
The crackdown is hitting many students at critical moments — just weeks from graduation or job
placements — leaving their futures hanging in the balance. With no formal statement yet from the State Department or the Department of Homeland Security, students and schools alike are left in the dark.
Read also: UK’s 10-year visitor visa fees increases to £1,059 from April
Some students are being advised to leave the U.S. to avoid the risk of detention or deportation, while others are choosing to remain and fight their cases, clinging to hope amid rising anxiety.
“It’s terrifying,” said a Chinese Ph.D. student at UNC Chapel Hill. “You don’t know if you’ll be the next one.”
As the legal uncertainty grows, many students are changing their daily habits — always carrying immigration documents and bracing for the unexpected.
