- US revoked F-1 visas for international students over activism and social media posts.
- Marco Rubio defended the move, citing national security and AI tracking.
- Students face deportation, raising concerns over free speech.
Hundreds of international students in the United States were shocked after receiving emails from the US Department of State, asking them to leave the country. Their F-1 student visas were revoked, reportedly for engaging in online activism.
According to reports, even students who only liked, shared, or commented on political posts on social media were affected. Immigration lawyers have confirmed that some Indian students are also among those whose visas have been canceled.
The US has over 1.1 million international students, with 331,000 from India, according to the Open Doors report.
The F-1 visa allows international students to study in the US. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a full-time academic program at a recognized institution and prove they can financially support their education.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the crackdown, stating that the US has the right to decide who can enter and stay in the country. The government also introduced an AI-powered app, “Catch and Revoke,” to track students who support groups like Hamas.
The emails, sent under the Trump administration, warned students that staying in the US without a valid visa could lead to fines, detention, or deportation. The message also told students to use the CBP Home App to leave the country.
The crackdown has raised concerns over free speech. A student shared on Reddit that their visa was revoked despite having no criminal record and strong academic performance. They questioned whether posting memes should impact their student status.
At universities like Columbia, protests have erupted, demanding protection for international students. Many immigration experts are advising students to review their documents carefully and avoid unnecessary travel.
ALSO READ: “US Cracks Down on Student Protestors: Visa Revoked Over Social Media Activity”
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