US State Department revokes 6,000 student visas

The US State Department has confirmed the revocation of more than 6,000 international student visas, citing violations of American law and security concerns.

Officials told the BBC that the “vast majority” of cases involved criminal offenses such as assault, burglary, and driving under the influence (DUI). However, some revocations were attributed to alleged “support for terrorism,” though the department did not specify what constituted such support.

Link to Pro-Palestine Protests

The Trump administration has previously accused certain international students who protested in support of Palestine of engaging in antisemitic behavior. Critics argue that the administration is using national security as justification to suppress dissent.

Of the revoked visas, about 4,000 were tied to direct law violations, while an additional 200–300 cases fell under “terrorism done under INA 3B”—a section of immigration law that broadly defines terrorist activity as acts that endanger human life or violate US law.

Enhanced Vetting and Social Media Screening

This decision follows the administration’s wider immigration measures. Earlier in 2025, student visa processing was temporarily suspended. When resumed in June, the State Department introduced enhanced screening requirements, including mandatory disclosure of social media accounts.

Applicants are now reviewed for any signs of “hostility toward US citizens, culture, or institutions,” as well as ties to designated foreign terrorist organizations. Officers were also instructed to flag individuals involved in unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.

Political Reactions

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in May that “thousands” of student visas had already been rescinded and that the process would continue.

“We’re going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education facilities,” Rubio said.

Democrats, however, have criticized the policy as an attack on due process and accused the administration of unfairly targeting international students.

Impact on International Students

The crackdown comes as the US remains one of the world’s top destinations for higher education. More than 1.1 million international students from over 210 countries were enrolled in US universities during the 2023–24 academic year, according to Open Doors, an education research group.

The revocations have sparked concern among students, with some reconsidering whether to pursue studies in the US amid what they describe as a “climate of fear and uncertainty.”