The United States has revoked the visas of more than 1,400 international students, many of whom were allegedly involved in pro-Palestine protests across university campuses. The move has sparked concern over growing government scrutiny of student activism and freedom of expression, particularly among international students.
According to U.S. education sources, at least 1,489 student visas have been canceled since March 2025, affecting students from over 240 institutions. Some of the universities impacted include high-profile schools like Harvard, Stanford, Ohio State University, and the University of Maryland.
The wave of cancellations comes amid heightened political tensions following President Donald Trump’s return to office in January 2025. The administration, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, claims the action is part of an effort to curb “imported activism” and what it describes as rising anti-Semitic and pro-Hamas sentiments on campuses.
“They’re here to study, not to lead activist movements,” Rubio said during a press briefing on March 28.
However, critics say the decision targets students who merely participated in peaceful protests or posted solidarity messages on social media. Many of these demonstrations, held in response to Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, included participation from Jewish student groups and progressive organizations—challenging the administration’s framing of the events.
Legal experts, faculty members, and student advocates argue that the crackdown is contributing to a climate of fear on campuses. Hafsa Kanjwal, an associate professor at Lafayette College, expressed concern over the lack of institutional support for affected students.
“Some students and faculty don’t even have a place to return to, given the political instability in their home countries,” she said. “While a few colleges are offering help, the majority remain silent.”
One professor at a state college, who requested anonymity, said even students who avoided activism are now deleting social media posts out of fear of being targeted.
“They’re terrified that even something minor—an old tweet, a caption—could lead to detention or deportation,” he said. “The Trump administration wants to send a message that the rights of immigrants and international students are not guaranteed. They’re using this to discourage immigration and silence dissent.”
He also believes the administration is leveraging the situation to pressure universities to suppress liberal discourse and regulate classroom content that leans left or challenges conservative narratives.
Despite the chilling effect, some universities are pushing back. Institutions such as George Mason University have begun consulting legal experts and federal agencies to better understand the criteria for the visa cancellations. A few schools are also providing legal assistance and academic resources to support displaced students.
Top universities, including Harvard, Stanford, Ohio State, and the University of Maryland, remain among those most affected, alongside many smaller liberal arts colleges.
As the fallout continues, the visa revocations raise broader questions about academic freedom, immigration policy, and the role of political ideology in education under the current administration.