US State Department revokes 6,000 student visas

August 18, 2025

The U.S. State Department has revoked over 6,000 international student visas for violations including assault, DUI, burglary, and alleged "support for terrorism," as part of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Approximately 4,000 visas were revoked for breaking laws, while 200-300 were revoked under terrorism-related code that broadly defines terrorist activity. The administration has implemented enhanced screening measures, including requiring social media account access during visa applications, and scrutinizing for hostility toward U.S. principles or antisemitic behavior.

Who is affected

International students whose visas have been revoked (over 6,000 individuals)
Students who have protested in support of Palestine
The broader community of 1.1 million international students from over 210 countries enrolled in U.S. colleges in 2023-24

What action is being taken

The State Department is revoking international student visas for law violations and alleged terrorism support
The Trump administration is implementing enhanced screening during visa applications, including reviewing applicants' social media accounts
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is continuing to pursue more visa revocations
Democrats are pushing back against these measures

Why it matters

This represents a significant crackdown on immigration and international students
The broad definition of "terrorist activity" and scrutiny of social media could impact students' free expression
The policy affects a substantial portion of the 1.1 million international student population in the U.S.
There's political controversy, with Democrats viewing these actions as attacks on due process

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC