Harvard students face visa revocation amid protests

In recent days, three students and two recent graduates at Harvard University in the United States have had their student visas revoked. This information was confirmed by the university's International Office, which learned of the revocations during a routine review of records. Harvard expressed its unawareness of the specific reasons behind these revocations, highlighting that a number of international students from universities across the country are experiencing similar situations due to their involvement in protests. As reported by the Secretary of State, approximately 300 student visas have been revoked nationwide, linking some cancellations to students' participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. These circumstances come amid growing tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian activism in the United States, with Harvard advising foreign students to consider the risks associated with travel abroad, especially during President Donald Trump's second term. This advisory included warnings about potential legal consequences for students involved in anti-Israel protests, a topic that has sparked significant debate and concern among the international student body. Legal representatives at Harvard urged students to review any public statements and materials that may put their visa status at risk, emphasizing caution in protest participation. The situation surrounding visa revocations is complicated by the fact that universities rarely receive direct notification of such actions. Instead, they often discover the status changes during checks of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Harvard’s leadership has expressed concern but noted a lack of clarity on how the university would handle potential deportation cases, should they arise following visa revocations. Despite the revocations, no reports of immigration arrests at Harvard have surfaced. As the Trump administration continues to enforce stricter immigration controls, international students are feeling increasingly vulnerable to visa scrutiny. The connection between activism and visa status has raised alarms not just at Harvard but across institutions in the U.S., as students navigate the delicate balance between free expression and the risk of deportation.