Wave of Student Visa Revocations Raises Alarm Among U.S. Universities

International students across the U.S. are feeling the impact of what many are calling an unprecedented immigration crackdown. Over the past few weeks, students at institutions from UCLA and UC Berkeley to the University of Wisconsin and Minnesota State have received abrupt and alarming messages: their SEVIS records have been terminated, and their legal status revoked—sometimes over minor citations like speeding tickets or expired licenses.

Over 300 students's SEVIS were terminated unexpectedly

These students, many just months away from graduation or the start of a new job, have been left blindsided, confused, and afraid. In several cases, even their universities were unaware of the changes until students brought them forward. According to reports from Inside Higher Ed and The Guardian, more than 300 students may have been affected since early April, with terminations quietly logged by federal agencies under vague justifications such as “foreign policy concern” or “criminal record,” even when charges were dismissed or expunged.

This wave of revocations follows a statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who announced the administration had begun canceling hundreds of student visas and would continue doing so. His remarks triggered immediate anxiety among students and university staff alike—many of whom are struggling to understand how to protect their students in a legal landscape that seems to shift overnight.

Immigration attorneys and legal scholars alike are calling out what they see as a misuse of power. The Department of Homeland Security appears to be using visa revocations as justification to terminate SEVIS status without giving students a chance to respond—effectively forcing “self-deportation” without due process. One student has already filed a lawsuit challenging this practice, arguing that such unilateral terminations violate both administrative law and constitutional protections.

The future of international students

As Trump returns to the White House, the future of international education in the U.S. is under intense scrutiny. While the focus has largely been on F-1 student visa holders, this crackdown is casting a wider net. Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT), J-1 exchange visitors, and even H-1B visa applicants are reporting increased scrutiny, delays, and denials. For many, the path forward now includes exploring alternative options: O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary ability, EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) green cards, or L-1 intracompany transfers. Each path comes with its own requirements—but they may become lifelines in an increasingly uncertain system.

That said, not all hope is lost—especially for Day 1 CPT students.

As a Day 1 CPT student, it's important to remember that if you follow your school’s rules and maintain your academic standing, you may be shielded from the worst of these policy shifts. Day 1 CPT programs are designed to allow qualified students to work from the beginning of their academic program, typically through hybrid or professional-track degrees. These programs—when chosen carefully and followed properly—can offer a legal and flexible way to gain U.S. work experience.

Still, vigilance is key. If your SEVIS record is ever terminated, don’t panic. Reach out to your designated school official (DSO) and consult with a qualified immigration attorney immediately. And if you’re unsure what to do next, organizations like ours are here to help. We work closely with students in these situations to find solutions—whether that’s transferring to a new program, appealing the termination, or identifying other visa options.

At a time when even a traffic citation can derail your immigration journey, it’s essential to stay informed, stay compliant, and stay connected to reliable resources. While the political winds may be shifting, your dreams don’t have to be derailed. We're committed to standing with students and offering the support they need to navigate this difficult chapter.