United States canceled over 6,000 student visas

In a move that has sparked controversy, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly revoked the visas of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals, including students, for actions deemed against US foreign policy priorities.

According to reports, over 6,000 visas have been cancelled, with a significant number being student visas. The Trump administration has adopted a hardline approach towards student visas as part of its immigration crackdown. Directives from the State Department this year have ordered US diplomats abroad to be vigilant against any applicants whom Washington might see as hostile to the US and with a history of political activism.

The revocations are not limited to allegations of support for terrorism. About 800 visas were cancelled specifically for such accusations in 2025, but other offenses include driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, burglary, and a majority of law-breaking offenses were assault. Approximately 200 to 300 student visas were revoked for potential ties to terrorist activities, according to an official.

One notable case involves a Tufts University student from Turkey who was detained for over six weeks in an immigration detention center in Louisiana for cowriting an opinion piece criticizing her school's response to Israel's war in Gaza. This action is seen as a threat to US foreign policy and is accused of being pro-Hamas by Trump administration officials.

The move has been criticized for its potential impact on US foreign relations, with some accusing the administration of stifling free speech and academic freedom. Trump has frozen funding for investigations and threatened to remove tax-exempt status from universities involved in this issue, prompting increased research grants from European nations.

Student visa and green card holders are reportedly at risk of deportation for their support of Palestinians and criticism of Israel's conduct in the Gaza war. Trump has accused several top-level US universities of becoming bastions of anti-Semitism due to large-scale student protests advocating for Palestinian rights.

The State Department's Foreign Affairs Manual lists "engaging in terrorist activities" and "having certain links to terrorist organizations" as visa ineligibility grounds. However, the official did not disclose which groups the students whose visas were revoked were supporting.

The revocation is also due to student visa overstays and breaking the law. This marks a significant shift in US immigration policy, with the Trump administration taking a more proactive approach in enforcing visa regulations and maintaining national security. The move was first reported by Fox Digital.