Emails from the U.S. Department of State revoke student visas, citing social media activity and campus protests
Hundreds of international students in the United States have received emails from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) instructing them to self-deport due to their involvement in campus activism. Immigration attorneys confirmed that some Indian students may be affected, even for actions as minor as sharing a social media post, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Social Media Scrutiny Leading to Visa Revocations
This crackdown is part of a social media review conducted by DOS and U.S. consulates. The review extends beyond students who participated in protests to those who engaged online by liking or sharing so-called ‘anti-national’ content. As a result, even new student visa applicants—including those applying for F (academic), M (vocational), and J (exchange) visas—are now subject to heightened scrutiny, potentially preventing them from studying in the U.S.
According to the Open Doors report, there are 1.1 million international students in the U.S. for the 2023-24 academic year, with 331,000 Indian students among them.
AI-Driven Visa Cancellations Under ‘Catch and Revoke’
A recent report from Axios reveals that the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched an AI-powered ‘Catch and Revoke’ initiative, leading to over 300 foreign students having their visas revoked in just three weeks. The initiative specifically targets individuals suspected of supporting Hamas or other designated terror groups.
Official Email Sent to Affected Students
The email, states:
“On behalf of the United States Department of State, the Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Office hereby informs you that additional information became available after your visa was issued. As a result, your F-1 visa with expiration date XXXXX was revoked in accordance with Section 221(i) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.”
It further warns that failing to leave immediately could result in fines, detention, or deportation. Additionally, those deported may not have time to secure their possessions or conclude their affairs before removal.
Legal Implications and Student Rights
Immigration attorneys, including Jath Shao, highlight that under U.S. immigration law, international students admitted for the duration of status (D/S) may not initially accrue unlawful presence. However, a formal determination of unlawful presence could result in three- or ten-year bans on re-entering the U.S.
Shao emphasized that affected students typically have two options:
Apply to USCIS for reinstatement of their visa and SEVIS record
Leave the U.S. and attempt to secure a new visa—though attorneys warn this is increasingly unlikely under the new rules
Rubio Defends Visa Revocations
Speaking at a press conference in Guyana, Rubio defended the crackdown, stating:
“If you apply for a student visa but come to the U.S. to participate in disruptive movements, vandalize universities, or harass students, we will revoke your visa.”
He further justified the policy by asserting that every country has a right to decide who enters as a visitor and who doesn’t.
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