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الوسم: student visas

  • Indians Drive Decline in US University Visa Approvals

    Indians Drive Decline in US University Visa Approvals

    In August, the U.S. granted nearly 20% fewer student visas compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting a crackdown under President Donald Trump’s administration. Notably, India experienced the steepest decline, with visa issuance falling by 44.5%, overtaken by China as the leading source of international students.

    The total number of student visas issued in August was 313,138, the peak month for U.S. university enrollments. While visas for Chinese students also declined, the decrease was less pronounced. A total of 86,647 visas were issued to students from mainland China, more than double the number granted to Indian students.

    These figures do not account for the overall number of students studying in the U.S., as many hold visas issued previously and remain enrolled.

    Since returning to the White House, Trump’s administration has prioritized restricting immigration and weakening university influence, which they view as a left-leaning stronghold. In June, Secretary of State Marco Rubio temporarily halted processing of student visas, also ordering U.S. embassies to scrutinize applicants’ social media profiles.

    Rubio has also revoked thousands of student visas — often citing criticisms of Israel — justifying these actions by asserting the U.S. can deny entry to individuals opposing its foreign policy interests.

    For Indian applicants, the Trump administration introduced tighter restrictions, making it more challenging to apply for visas outside U.S. consular jurisdictions, even when faced with processing backlogs.

    Trump’s policies have generally been at odds with India, a nation long sought after by U.S. policymakers of both parties as a strategic counterbalance to China. He also increased fees for H-1B visas, predominantly utilized by Indian tech workers.

    Conversely, Trump has expressed intentions to increase the number of Chinese students in the U.S., aiming to improve relations between the two countries. This stance sharply contrasts with Rubio’s previous vow to aggressively revoke visas from Chinese students accused of exploiting U.S. technology.

    Additionally, the latest data indicate a significant drop in visas issued to students from many Muslim-majority nations, with visas from Iran falling by 86%.

  • US Student Visa Hold to Be Brief, Says State Department

    US Student Visa Hold to Be Brief, Says State Department

    US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce addresses various issues including the Ukraine crisis and Middle East situations during her first press briefing in Washington, DC, on March 17, 2025.

    WASHINGTON: The United States has clarified that the current halt in student visa processing is temporary.

    The State Department has reassured international students that appointments for visas are expected to resume shortly, even as new regulations regarding social media monitoring are being formulated.

    State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce advised prospective students to pursue scheduling their visa appointments, stating, “I wouldn’t suggest this if it were going to take weeks or months.”

    She added, “I believe we can expect this to happen sooner rather than later,” while speaking with reporters.

    On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio mandated that embassies and consulates pause student visa appointment scheduling until new guidelines for social media examination are released.

    This decision is part of a series of confrontations regarding education from President Donald Trump’s administration, which has revoked thousands of visas, attempted to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students, and promised aggressive visa cancellations for Chinese nationals.

    Rubio has previously revoked the visas of multiple students who participated in protests critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, citing a seldom-used law that allows for the removal of individuals acting against US foreign policy interests.

    In a communication to diplomatic missions on Tuesday, Rubio indicated that new guidance on social media screening would be provided in the coming days.

    Bruce further encouraged prospective students to regularly check online for available appointment slots.

    “Currently, there might be some delays, and I’ve been advised to tell people to keep checking for when those slots become available,” she remarked.

  • Texas Becomes Ground Zero for Student Visa Cancellations Affecting 122+

    Texas Becomes Ground Zero for Student Visa Cancellations Affecting 122+

    Police detain a protester at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, April 29, 2024. — Reuters

    TEXAS: The international student community in the United States is facing significant turmoil following a surge in student visa cancellations, with Texas being hit the hardest.

    Reports indicate that over 122 international students have had their visas revoked or their immigration statuses terminated. These actions have been implemented through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), putting their legal residency in jeopardy.

    Although authorities have not provided an official reason for this sudden shift, immigration specialists believe it could be tied to stricter immigration laws, intensified monitoring of social media, and possible political motives.

    The universities in Texas that have been affected include:

    • University of North Texas (UNT): 27 students
    • University of Texas at Arlington: 27 students
    • Texas A&M University: 23 students
    • University of Texas at Dallas: 19 students
    • University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: 9 students
    • Texas Woman’s University: 4 students
    • Texas Tech University: 3 students
    • University of Texas at El Paso: 10 students

    Additionally, while specific numbers have not been shared, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston have reported alterations to the immigration status of some international students.

    The vice chair of the faculty senate at the University of North Texas noted that SEVIS statuses for 16 students were originally terminated, but that number later rose to 27. Most of the affected students are pursuing graduate degrees, and university officials have indicated they are in active communication with these individuals.

    In a statement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced plans to begin monitoring the social media accounts of international students for what they classify as “antisemitic” content.

    This initiative follows two executive orders from President Donald Trump, which signal a clampdown in response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations at various college campuses, particularly in Texas.

    Dallas-based immigration lawyer Naim Sukhia expressed concern, stating, “Being removed from SEVIS undermines a student’s legal right to due process. It essentially ejects them from the immigration system without a clear explanation.”

    Sukhia emphasized that losing SEVIS status not only disrupts the academic journey of the students but also impacts the legal status of their dependents, such as spouses and children.

    Students in this predicament have few available options: they can either exit the country or seek reinstatement, a process that can be long, uncertain, and complex.

    However, Sukhia encouraged those who receive such notifications to promptly contact their Designated School Official (DSO) to investigate the possibility of reinstatement. “Even though it can be a lengthy and unpredictable journey, it is worth pursuing,” he advised.

    US media reports indicate that a significant portion of the students affected by the visa cancellations are from South Asian countries and the Middle East.

    Many of the impacted students, along with their advocacy organizations, are contemplating legal action to contest the decisions in court. Additionally, a social media initiative tagged #SaveTexasStudents is gaining momentum, advocating for justice and support for international students.

    A representative from the University of Texas at Dallas stated, “This situation is evolving, and we are continuously engaging with affected students to help them navigate through these uncertainties.”

    The University of North Texas also remarked that 19 of the 27 students removed from SEVIS were graduate students who contributed significantly to the university’s international academic environment.

    As a prime destination for international students in the U.S., Texas now seems to be becoming a more challenging environment for those seeking education from abroad.

    Experts warn that if this trend continues, it could significantly limit access to American higher education for thousands of aspiring students across the globe. In light of these developments, legal professionals urge affected students and their families to seek guidance from experienced immigration attorneys for further support.