Several students have reported being detained without prior notice, often by agents in plain clothes, leading to heightened paranoia on campuses. While reasons for visa revocations range from minor offenses to protest participation, many affected students were allegedly involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended the policy, stating that visas are a privilege and not a right, adding that individuals creating unrest or supporting banned organizations like Hamas would not be allowed to stay.
Some students have filed lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, questioning the legality and justification behind these mass terminations. Others have taken steps to protect their digital privacy, avoid public spaces, or even cancel graduation plans due to fear of arrest or deportation.
The situation has drawn criticism from universities as well, especially after the White House froze $2 billion in funding for Harvard University for refusing government demands tied to protest regulations.This growing visa crisis has deeply unsettled the international student community, forcing many to reconsider their safety, rights, and future in the U.S.
