US revokes over 600 foreign student visas amid crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism

The Trump administration has revoked visas for over 600 foreign students across US universities in recent months, in a clear indication of the US President’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism and immigration in general.

Inside Higher Ed, a US website that provides data on the higher education community in the US, has identified hundreds of cases where foreign students have had their legal status changed by the State Department.

Students have been subject to such revocations over their pro-Palestinian activism no matter how big or small, while other revocations were due to minor incidents on their record such as speeding tickets, and similar offences. Others have had their visas taken away without explanation and while not having participated in any kind of protest.

Universities have been increasingly flagging such incidents. They say most students have not received any communications from immigration authorities over the decision to revoke their visas, according to Inside Higher Ed.

Among the universities with the highest number of students subject to such measures include California State University,  the University of North Texas, Northeastern University and the University of Michigan. Students from elite universities and lesser-known higher education institutions have been targeted.

Immigration lawyers have accused the US government of using a broad range of excuses to revoke student visas.

"Whatever they see on the individual’s file is problematic from a security perspective," one lawyer told local media.

The Non-Profit Association of International Educators (NAFSA) told The Financial Times that the visa revocations are  “at an unprecedented level and it’s quite concerning because there is a lack of clarity which is creating anxiety.”  

The group said many universities are unaware that their students are being targeted, making them unable to offer any support or even track them down.

The White House is justifying its action under the pretext of a 1952 law that grants the Secretary of State broad authority to expel foreigners believed to pose "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences" for the US.

Several high-profile cases have emerged lately, following Trump’s return to the White House. The administration has also justified its actions by claiming to crack down on "antisemitism".

In March, Syrian-born Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate of Columbia University, was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside of his home near the university, following a request by Trump’s administration to detain and deport him.

Khalil was actively involved in the university’s pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which swept across US university campuses in April 2024, in response to Israel’s deadly military onslaught which has now killed over 50,600 Palestinians.

The Trump administration deemed Khalil a "threat to US foreign policy" and accused him of endorsing the Palestinian group Hamas. Khalil, however, has not been charged with any crimes.

Khalil says that he has been detained over his political views, and has been since held in a Louisiana detention centre. His arrest sparked concern and anxiety among student communities in the US, as the graduate is a green card holder, making a permanent resident of the United States.

Other students hailing from India, the UK, Iran and Turkey have been asked to leave the country or detained by immigration enforcement agents.

On 27 March, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US had already revoked visas for over 300 international students, branding them "lunatics".

"If you apply for a student visa to come to the United States and you say you're coming not just to study, but to participate in movements that vandalise universities, harass students, take over buildings, and cause chaos, we're not giving you that visa," he told reporters.

"We deny visas every day and we can revoke visas," said Rubio. "If you have the power to deny, you have the power to revoke."