Recent reports indicate that the Trump administration has revoked the visas of hundreds of international students, compelling many to leave the United States within a week. Affected students were notified through unexpected communications, including texts, emails, or updates in the Federal Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Universities in states such as California, Colorado, Ohio, and Florida have confirmed these incidents, though specific details are often withheld due to student privacy concerns.
Immigration experts describe the scale of these visa revocations as unprecedented. Len Saunders, an immigration attorney with 25 years of experience, remarked, “I’ve never seen 300 students lose their visas.” Some visa cancellations appear linked to minor issues, including traffic violations or roommate disputes, while others may be associated with participation in pro-Palestinian protests.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged responsibility for revoking at least 300 visas, referring to the affected students as “lunatics” due to their activism. He stated, “Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visas.” The students impacted are not being detained but are instructed to depart the U.S. within seven days.
This development has sparked protests at various universities, including the University of Arizona and Tufts University. At Tufts, Turkish student Rumeysa Öztürk was detained despite holding a valid visa. On March 25, 2025, Öztürk was apprehended by six plainclothes agents from the Department of Homeland Security near her residence in Somerville, Massachusetts. She was subsequently transported to an immigration detention center in Louisiana and later moved to Vermont. Öztürk is known for co-authoring an article in The Tufts Daily that criticized the university’s response to pro-Palestinian activism and alleged actions in Gaza. citeturn0search25
Universities across Michigan, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State, Wayne State, Oakland University, Central Michigan, and Grand Valley State, have reported similar visa revocations. At the University of Michigan, officials confirmed that 22 students and recent graduates had their visas or residency rights revoked. Legal representatives and affected students are urgently seeking clarification to prevent further incidents.
In response to these developments, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to scrutinize the social media activity of foreign nationals seeking entry into the U.S., aiming to identify and bar individuals suspected of supporting antisemitic ideologies or terrorist organizations. This measure has raised concerns about free speech and due process, with critics arguing that it may infringe on constitutionally protected expression. citeturn0news14
As of April 1, 2025, the University of Pennsylvania’s International Student and Scholar Services reported that approximately 1.1 million international students study in the U.S., with Secretary Rubio indicating that at least 300 visas have been revoked, representing roughly 0.03% of student visas. The university advised students to remain vigilant and consult with university officials if they receive unexpected communications regarding their visa status. citeturn0search0
These developments have caused significant distress among international students, prompting universities to closely monitor the situation and provide support to affected individuals.