U.S. Revokes 1,500 International Student Visas Amid Protests

The Trump administration has revoked the visas of over 1,500 international students at more than 240 American universities, sparking widespread confusion and distress among affected students and institutions. Many universities, such as Arizona State University and the University of Idaho, report significant numbers of visa cancellations but often lack clear information or advance notice from federal authorities. Reasons for the revocations remain largely uncommunicated, with both students and universities learning of changes through the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) rather than direct contact. While early high-profile terminations were linked to pro-Palestinian protests, many recent revocations are said to be unrelated to activism, and no students have been charged with crimes. The State Department is invoking a rarely used immigration provision, citing discretionary authority to revoke visas if deemed a threat to U.S. foreign policy, but specifics are opaque. Universities are offering support to affected students, but the lack of transparency and guidance has intensified uncertainty within international student communities.