According to school authorities, university declarations, and correspondence, since late March, 1,024 overseas students at US colleges and universities have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated, as reported by The Associated Press.
On social media, international students in the US frequently witness agents in civilian clothing unexpectedly escorting them to detention facilities, which greatly worries them.
A number of students have filed lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), claiming that the agency has not provided adequate justification for the termination of their legal status.
Furthermore, the Trump administration has repeatedly stated that visas are a “privilege” that can be canceled for a variety of reasons at any time. “Here’s why: I have said it everywhere, and I will say it again,” stated US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We will not grant you a student visa if you ask to enter the country and claim that you are coming not only to study but also to take part in protests that damage colleges, harass students, occupy facilities, and cause mayhem.”
Ivy League and public university professors and students told the BBC that they felt on edge because of the current state of affairs.
“I could be next,” remarked a writer of articles about the Gaza War who was on a student visa. In case law enforcement stops him, he keeps a card with a list of his constitutional rights on it.
Another person claimed that he is too afraid to leave the house, not even to go grocery shopping.
Although there are many different reasons why visas can be revoked, such as criminal records or exceeding the speed limit, Secretary of State Marco Rubio himself stated that “a lot” of the individuals targeted had participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
According to officials, these protesters supported Hamas, a terrorist organization, and made the Jewish kids’ surroundings uncomfortable.
“I revoke their visas each time I come across one of these crazy people. In late March, Rubio told reporters, “We do it every day.”
Universities are also being targeted, in addition to students. After Harvard University declined to accept a set of conditions that would have taken away its “independence,” the White House blocked $2 billion in financing for the university.
A Georgetown student, who is not sure if he will be present at the ceremony, has requested his parents not to go from India to the US to see his master’s degree graduation. He is also taking precautions otherwise. “I have learned how to quickly lock my phone in SOS mode and I have cleared my chats across messaging apps,” he stated.
Some foreign “students are working remotely because they are afraid they can not get back in the country,” while others have fled the country and are scared to return, according to Anteri Mejr, a PhD candidate at Tufts, who spoke to the BBC.
“I am afraid to go out,” a student from the University of Texas said. I am afraid to attend school. I am afraid to buy for groceries. He has written negative things about the president, which causes him to have “crippling anxiety” even though he does not participate in the pro-Palestine demonstrations.
He questioned, “To what extent does this administration delve into, say, an immigrant’s past?” “What if I said something and I did not realize it?” he asked.
