In a sweeping move that has alarmed universities and student advocates across the country, the U.S. government has revoked the visas of nearly 400 international students and recent graduates within the past few weeks. The action is part of a broader crackdown tied to national security concerns and social media activity allegedly linked to antisemitic content or support for extremist ideologies.
Several universities have been directly impacted. At Texas A&M, 15 students had their visas suddenly revoked, while smaller numbers were reported at Texas Tech and the University of Texas. The University of Chicago confirmed the termination of visa status for three current students and four recent graduates.
Federal officials, under a new Trump-era policy, now have the authority to deny visas to foreign nationals whose online posts are interpreted as supporting terrorism or antisemitic views. The administration argues this measure is essential for national security, ensuring that individuals who promote hate or violence are barred from entering or remaining in the U.S.
However, the move has drawn criticism from academic institutions and civil rights groups. Critics argue that the policy is overly broad, risks violating freedom of speech, and could disproportionately impact students who are politically outspoken or come from certain regions.
In a related development, the federal government also froze funding to Cornell and Northwestern University, citing civil rights investigations tied to recent campus protests.
Universities have responded by offering legal and immigration support to affected students while urging federal agencies to provide more transparency.
As debates continue, the visa revocations highlight growing tensions between immigration enforcement, national security, and the core academic values of free expression and international exchange.
