Trump administration cancels dozens of international student visas at major universities, Indian students on alert

The Trump administration has reportedly cancelled dozens of international student visas at California campuses, including UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine and Stanford, university leaders, students and faculty at campuses. As per multiple reports, the visa cancellations have come without prior notice, leaving students and university officials scrambling for clarity.

The US government has not released an official explanation for the sudden visa terminations, but according to university statements and media reports, some students were denied re-entry to the US, while others had their visas revoked while still in the country.

From an Indian perspective, the development is particularly concerning. With over 2,50,000 Indian students currently studying in the US— many of them at the very institutions named — these actions have added a layer of unpredictability to academic planning and visa processes. Although the nationalities of all affected students have not been disclosed, Indian student groups are closely monitoring the situation for any targeted implications, as per sources.

At UC San Diego, officials confirmed that several students had their visas revoked, and at least one was deported after being denied entry at the US border. Other campuses reported a mix of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent alumni, among those affected. The University of California system acknowledged the issue and stated that it is working to support impacted individuals, reiterating its commitment to legal protections and student rights.

These visa revocations appear to be part of a broader crackdown that began last month, with earlier actions focusing on student activists engaged in pro-Palestinian protests. However, recent revocations reportedly include students not involved in activism, with potential links to other alleged violations, such as criminal records or visa condition breaches.

As per US government statements, more than 300 visas have been cancelled so far, including both student and visitor visas. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a recent trip abroad, stated that the cancellations are part of a daily review process targeting individuals considered threats to national security or public order.

This policy shift marks a significant departure from previous norms. Traditionally, even if a student’s visa was cancelled, they were allowed to remain in the US to continue their studies, with reentry restrictions applying only if they left the country. Under the current administration’s actions, both visa and academic status are reportedly being reviewed simultaneously.

The lack of clear communication has left university administrators and student communities in a state of uncertainty. For Indian students considering studying in the US, or those currently enrolled, the situation underscores the importance of staying updated on immigration policies, maintaining compliance with visa regulations, and having access to legal resources if needed.

Student unions and international student offices at the affected universities have reportedly  expressed solidarity and are offering assistance to those impacted. In the case of UCLA, student leaders issued a public message affirming the value of international students and promising continued advocacy on their behalf.

While there has been no official confirmation of how many Indian nationals, if any, are directly affected by the latest visa cancellations, Indian diplomatic missions in the US are expected to closely monitor the developments.

For now, students, particularly those from India and other countries with large student populations in the US, are advised to remain in close contact with their university’s international office and to seek immediate guidance if they encounter any irregularities in their immigration status.