Half of Student Visas Revoked in US are of Indians: A Closer Look

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the State Department have been cracking down on international students, with the latest reports revealing that half of the 327 visa revocations and terminations collected by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) involve students from India. This has raised concerns as India sends the largest number of international students to the US, with more than 3.3 lakh students for the academic year 2023-24.

The reasons for visa revocations remain unclear, with reports pointing to arbitrary decisions that have created confusion among affected students. Among the revoked cases, 50% were related to students on Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program allowing students to gain work experience in the US post-graduation. These actions have sparked growing apprehension in India, with many students seeking legal recourse through lawsuits and temporary restraining orders.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has responded to the concerns, assuring students of support and communication with the US government to resolve the issue. With concerns growing over the randomness of the actions and the long-term impact on students’ futures, the situation continues to evolve, with several Indian leaders, including MP Jairam Ramesh, calling for diplomatic intervention.

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