President Donald Trump’s administration has continued to wield the big stick, as visa crackdown across the United States has left hundreds of international students in panic, fearing deportation after suddenly losing their legal status.
At least 901 students at more than 128 US colleges and universities have had their visas rescinded or status terminated in recent weeks, according to an Associated Press review of university statements and correspondence with officials.
“This started off looking like isolated cases, but now it’s coming fast and furious,” said Matthew Maiona, a Boston-based immigration attorney, reflecting growing concerns among legal experts and advocacy groups.
While many impacted students come from countries like India and China, immigration attorneys report that no region appears to be immune from the sweeping crackdown.
In several cases, students were reportedly flagged for minor infractions, such as traffic violations.
Four students in Michigan have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, claiming their visas were revoked without explanation.
Similar legal actions are emerging across the country, with judges in states including New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Montana issuing temporary orders to reinstate some students’ legal status.
In a marked change from previous procedures, universities are now discovering these visa terminations through the federal immigration database—sometimes before the students themselves are notified.
This obnoxious policy shift is leaving many students in a state of uncertainty, with some just weeks away from graduation or starting jobs.
With no official response yet from the U.S. State Department or the Department of Homeland Security, confusion continues to grow.
Some students are being told to leave the country immediately, while others remain in the U.S. to appeal the decision—hoping to avoid detention or deportation.
In the meantime, many have adopted new routines: carrying immigration documents at all times and preparing for worst-case scenarios.
“It’s scary,” said a Chinese Ph.D. student at UNC Chapel Hill. “You don’t know if you’ll be the next one.”
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