The US State Department has recently sent self-deportation notices to hundreds of international students, including some from India, citing their alleged involvement in campus activism. Immigration attorneys confirmed that even minor actions, such as sharing a social media post, have led to visa revocations.
AI-Powered Social Media Screening
This crackdown follows a directive from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, mandating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for social media monitoring of current and prospective international students. The system identifies activities deemed as violations, resulting in over 300 student visa cancellations.
Impact on Affected Students
Students have been notified that their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records have been terminated. The absence of a grace period means they must leave the country immediately. Additionally, the US Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been informed, and non-compliance may lead to forced removal and future visa ineligibility.
The official communication stated, “Your F-1 visa has been revoked in accordance with Section 221(i) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act.” Students are required to visit the US consulate for the physical cancellation of their visas before reapplying.
Legal and Immigration Challenges
Legal experts attribute the directive to a March 25 internal order initiating widespread social media surveillance. Attorney Jath Shao explained that F-1 and J-1 students are generally admitted for the “duration of status” (D/S). While overstaying typically does not lead to an unlawful presence designation, under the new policy, students may face severe consequences.
The updated US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy states that unlawful presence accrues the day after a student’s status ends. This can result in three- or ten-year re-entry bans, compounding the challenges for affected students.
Next Steps for Affected Students
Attorneys recommend that students seek legal representation to explore options such as reinstating their SEVIS records or defending against removal proceedings. Legal intervention may offer a chance to dispute the visa revocation and restore their academic status.
Future Implications
This unprecedented use of AI for monitoring and the lack of transparency in the decision-making process raise concerns about privacy and due process. International students and educational institutions may face heightened scrutiny, leading to a chilling effect on free speech and activism.
While the US government emphasizes the importance of national security, legal advocates urge the establishment of fairer and more transparent mechanisms to ensure the protection of students’ rights.
