Over 1,000 International Students Had Visas Revoked Without Warning Under Trump Administration

In a sweeping move that has sparked legal battles and widespread concern, the Trump administration has revoked the student visas of over 1,000 international students since late March — often without prior notice or explanation. The action has affected students enrolled at more than 130 institutions, including prestigious universities like Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Maryland.

The visa terminations came to light through university checks of the Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), as most students were not directly notified. The policy shift is seen as part of a broader immigration crackdown, with colleges and universities scrambling to support affected students while demanding answers from federal authorities.

Multiple lawsuits have since been filed against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), challenging the legality of the visa revocations. In one notable case, a federal judge in New Hampshire granted temporary relief to a Chinese student at Dartmouth College whose visa was abruptly canceled. Similar legal actions have been initiated in states like Georgia and California, with lawyers warning that students now face the risk of detention, deportation, and severe academic disruption.

The lack of clarity around the visa cancellations has intensified concerns. Institutions say DHS has offered little to no explanation. Middle Tennessee State University, for example, reported it received no details regarding the revocation of six students’ visas. The University of Oregon stated that four students lost their status over unspecified criminal charges, which were never disclosed to the school.

Although national security has been cited in a few high-profile cases—such as the detention of Columbia graduate and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil—many of the affected students appear to have committed only minor or unclear violations. Legal experts and advocates argue that the action appears politically motivated and aimed at reducing international student presence in the U.S.

At UCLA, twelve students were impacted, with Chancellor Julio Frenk stating the revocations were due to alleged visa violations, though no further information was shared. Reports of similar incidents have emerged from universities across 40 states.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also voiced strong concerns, arguing that the pattern suggests a systematic policy of terminating student visas without due process. A class-action lawsuit filed in Georgia represents 133 international students from countries including India, China, Mexico, Colombia, and Japan. The suit accuses DHS of removing students from SEVIS without proper review, and alleges a disturbing lack of transparency and fairness in the process.