Over 6,000 student visas revoked for law violations in US crackdown

In 2025, over 6,000 student visas were revoked by the U.S. State Department as part of a broader immigration enforcement initiative under the Trump administration. This enforcement was primarily aimed at individuals who either overstayed their visas or were involved in various legal violations. The categories of infractions included serious offenses such as assault, DUI incidents, burglary, and instances of supporting terrorism, which have drawn heightened scrutiny from authorities. A significant number of these visa cancellations—approximately 4,000—resulted from documented law violations, reflecting a renewed focus on ensuring that international students adhere to U.S. legal standards while studying. In addition, rough estimates suggested that between 200 and 300 students lost their visas due to allegations of supporting terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, known for being a designated group by the U.S. government. In a related wave of enforcement, about 800 students had their visas revoked specifically due to charges stemming from assault cases. The considerable number of visa cancellations indicated a comprehensive strategy by the administration to enforce stricter immigration policies, which included a review of the visa statuses of students involved in pro-Palestine protests and similar demonstrations. In 2025 alone, the State Department reported revoking around 40,000 visas, starkly contrasting with the 16,000 cancellations recorded during a similar timeframe under the Biden administration. This substantial increase has raised concerns among various advocacy groups and lawmakers, with some arguing that these actions undermine due process rights. Ongoing discussions amongst legislators highlight a divide in views on immigration policy direction amidst fears of infringing on student freedoms and civil liberties in the context of educational environments.