- US revoked student visas over campus protests and social media activity.
- Indian students also affected, even for liking “anti-national” posts.
- Deportation warnings issued; legal experts urge seeking legal help.
Hundreds of students in the US woke up to shocking emails from the US Department of State (DOS), informing them that their visas had been revoked. The move comes after an investigation into student participation in campus activism, according to a report by The Times of India.
Some Indian students also reportedly received these emails, even if they had only shared related social media posts. Immigration attorneys warned that even liking “anti-national” posts could lead to visa cancellation.
The email, issued under Section 221(i) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, stated that information had surfaced after visa approval, leading to revocation. The Department of Homeland Security and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were also notified. The email warned that staying in the US without legal status could lead to fines, detention, and deportation.
Students were reportedly told they could be deported at any time and might not have time to collect their belongings. The email also suggested they use the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) app, CBP Home, to self-deport.
This action is part of a crackdown led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, using AI technology to revoke visas of those showing support for Hamas or other groups labeled as terrorist organizations.
Legal experts advised affected students to seek legal help. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has introduced stricter immigration policies, including mandatory registration for undocumented individuals from April 11.
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