The US State Department has revoked more than 6,000 international student visas citing violations of US law and overstays, officials told the BBC.
According to the department, the majority of violations involved crimes such as assault, driving under the influence (DUI), burglary, and alleged “support for terrorism.”
The move is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on immigration and international students. While the State Department did not clearly define “support for terrorism,” some students who protested in support of Palestine were reportedly targeted, with officials alleging antisemitic behaviour.
Out of the 6,000 revoked visas, around 4,000 were withdrawn due to criminal offenses, while 200–300 were canceled under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) relating to terrorism.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration temporarily paused visa appointments for international students, later resuming with stricter measures, including requiring applicants to make their social media accounts public for enhanced screening.
Officials said the new vetting process would search for signs of hostility toward US citizens, institutions, and values, as well as support for foreign terrorist organizations or unlawful antisemitic activities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in May that “thousands” of student visas had already been rescinded since January, adding that the process would continue to target students “disrupting” higher education institutions.
Democrats have criticized the move, calling it an attack on due process and international education.
According to Open Doors, more than 1.1 million international students from over 210 countries were enrolled in US colleges during the 2023–24 academic year.
