Over 400 international students, including Pakistanis, face visa cancellations in U.S.

April 08, 2025 (MLN): The visas of more than 400 international students, including those from Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries, have been unexpectedly canceled at several U.S. universities.

The cancellations were carried out without prior notice or legal action, causing concern among students and educational institutions alike.

The U.S. government’s actions may stem from various reasons, but officials from universities have indicated that the move appears to be part of a quiet, broader initiative by the government, according to US media.

The Trump administration is believed to be targeting students who have publicly supported Palestinian causes.

However, some of the affected students had not participated in any demonstrations, raising further questions about the reasoning behind the cancellations.

Universities such as Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, and the University of Michigan were among those where students' visas were revoked.

At UCLA alone, 12 students and graduates were affected, and one student from the University of Michigan has already left the country.

Most of these cancellations occurred during a routine audit of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

In response, universities and human rights advocates have voiced significant concerns about the potential violations of students' rights.

Institutions are now focusing on providing legal assistance and support to the affected students, while international student organizations are raising alarms over the implications of these actions.

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