US Revokes Over 6,000 Student Visas Over Law Violations and Security Concerns

The US State Department has withdrawn more than 6,000 international student visas citing legal violations, overstays, and security risks, the agency confirmed to the BBC.

According to officials, the majority of cases involved offenses such as assault, burglary, and driving under the influence (DUI). Some were linked to what the department described as “support for terrorism,” though it did not provide a clear definition.

The crackdown is part of broader immigration restrictions under the Trump administration. Officials have also scrutinized students accused of expressing support for Palestine, claiming their protests reflected antisemitic conduct.

Of the revoked visas, roughly 4,000 were tied to criminal activity, while an estimated 200–300 fell under “terrorism” provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA 3B), which defines terrorism broadly as acts endangering human life or violating US law.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration paused visa interviews for foreign students before resuming them in June with stricter vetting. Applicants are now required to provide access to their social media accounts, which are checked for signs of hostility toward the United States, its people, or its institutions. Officers have also been directed to flag individuals linked to designated foreign terrorist organizations or involved in unlawful antisemitic activity.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in May that “thousands” of visas had already been rescinded since January and suggested more could follow.

“We’re going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests but are disrupting our higher education facilities,” Rubio said.

Democrats have condemned the move as an infringement on due process and a targeted attack on international students.

Despite the revocations, the US remains a leading destination for global education, hosting more than 1.1 million students from over 210 countries in the 2023–24 academic year, according to Open Doors, an international education data organization.