In a concerning development, many Indian students studying in the United States under the F-1 visa have been asked to self-deport after their visas were revoked for minor legal infractions, according to a Times of India report. Students were notified via emails from Designated School Officials (DSOs), informing them that their SEVIS records had been terminated, making their I-20, EAD, and legal status void.
🚨 Offences Include Traffic Violations & Resolved Charges
The listed offences range from relatively minor issues—like driving without a licensed supervisor on a learner’s permit, failing to stop at a red light, and speeding—to more serious but resolved misdemeanors such as shoplifting and alcohol-related incidents. Even students whose charges were dismissed due to good conduct and academic records are facing deportation, raising questions about the proportionality of the punishment.
💬 Legal Experts Flag Precedent Violation
A Texas-based immigration attorney handling 30 such cases said such terminations for petty offences are rare. Lawyers and consultants have reported a surge in calls from anxious students, urging those affected—especially if their cases are over a year old—to seek legal counsel.
📉 Secret Visa Cancellations at Ivy-League Campuses
A Bloomberg report revealed that visa revocations are quietly taking place across elite universities like Harvard, Stanford, and Tufts. Dozens of Indian students and graduates in California have had their visas terminated, some even suing the federal government for denying due process. The infractions range from minor driving violations to politically charged allegations of antisemitic speech.
🔍 Surveillance, Social Media Scrutiny & Activism Crackdown
Beyond criminal records, campus activism and online expression have come under the lens. The US Department of State is reportedly reviewing student social media activity, and students linked to pro-Palestinian protests have faced deportation. New F, M, and J visa applicants will also face similar scrutiny.
With 3.32 lakh Indian students in the US (as per the 2023-24 Open Doors report), these developments signal a harsher and more politically sensitive immigration environment, prompting calls for caution and immediate legal support.
