A disturbing report has come out suggesting that out of all students who had their F-1 visas revoked, half were Indians.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has given some horrific details about the recent crackdown, which involves innocent students losing their visas in the US. Many reported getting removed from SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)—the federal database that tracks international students—without warning or explanation.
Also Read – F-1 Visa Nightmare: Only 2 Approvals a Day?
The report gives a staggering number of 4,736 SEVIS terminations since January 20, 2025. Out of these, the AILA has collected the data of 327 students, with 50% of them being from India.
A case involving a domestic violence survivor is truly horrific. As per US law, in a DV investigation, both the abuser and the victim are taken into custody, and this apparently counts as the victim having a “criminal past,” leading to F-1 termination.
Also Read – H1B May Lead Further, But OPT Feels Safer
Other cases involve students with minor charges such as speeding tickets and traffic violations. One Indian student had his visa canceled over an alcohol-related arrest that was later dropped.
50% of these cases were also reported to be OPT students, maybe hinting at a wider crackdown on H-1Bs down the line. These students and graduates were working hard to build a life after spending thousands of dollars on US degrees, only to be suddenly thrown out of the country.
Also Read – US Targets Indians: NRIs to Pay $1.6B Every Year?
Legal battles have started in the US, with attorneys moving the court for innocent students who have been suddenly uprooted by these blind terminations.
