US F-1 VISA HOLDERS STUDENT IN PANIC

Hundreds of international students in the United States are in shock after receiving emails from the US Department of State (DOS) informing them that their F-1 student visas have been revoked, and they must self-deport. This crackdown is particularly targeting students involved in campus activism, including those who merely liked, shared, or commented on “anti-national” social media posts. The move has raised serious concerns about the limits of free expression for foreign students in the US.

Related Links:

• US Department of State
• USCIS – Student Visa Information
• Open Doors Report – International Student Data

Impact on Indian Students and Growing Concerns

Indian students are also among those affected. According to The Times of India, immigration attorneys have confirmed that even sharing a political post could result in visa revocation.

The latest figures from the Open Doors report indicate that out of the 1.1 million international students studying in the US during the 2023-24 academic year, 331,000 are from India.

What is an F-1 Visa?

An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to study at accredited institutions in the US. Eligible institutions include universities, colleges, high schools, seminaries, conservatories, and approved language training programs.

For more information, visit the official USCIS website.

US Government’s Crackdown on F-1 Visa Holders

According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, multiple international student visas have been revoked due to “anti-national” activities. Rubio stated, “Every country has the right to decide who enters and who doesn’t.”

Rubio also mentioned the launch of an AI-based app called “Catch and Revoke,” designed to identify students supporting terrorist organizations like Hamas. The scrutiny on new student visa applications has also intensified, with authorities now closely monitoring social media activities.

Emails Sent to Students Create Fear

Emails sent by the Trump administration notified students that their F-1 visas were revoked under Section 221(i) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. The message warned that staying in the US without legal immigration status could result in fines, detention, or deportation.

Students were instructed to use the CBP Home App to facilitate their departure and present their passports at the US embassy or consulate.

Debate Over Free Speech and Immigration Laws

Secretary Rubio has stated that visas are not a “birthright” and that violators will be required to leave the country.

This crackdown has sparked a major debate about the balance between free speech and US immigration policies. One student, who shared their experience on Reddit, claimed their visa was revoked despite having no criminal record and maintaining a strong academic record. “Don’t we have freedom of speech in the US?” they questioned.

International students are being advised to carefully review their documentation and avoid unnecessary travel. For more information, visit USCIS.

Protests at Universities

At institutions like Columbia University, protests have been organized to defend international students’ rights and academic freedom. Student unions, particularly the Student Workers of Columbia, have voiced strong opposition to the US government’s visa revocation policy.

For more information on student protests and immigration policies, visit The New York Times or BBC News