The Trump administration has revoked over 600 student visas, intensifying its crackdown on international students in the United States. This move has sparked widespread concern among universities and human rights advocates, who view it as a politically motivated effort targeting foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian activism.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited national security concerns and alleged violations of immigration laws as reasons for the visa revocations. However, many affected students and legal experts argue that the actions lack transparency and due process. Some students have reported being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without prior notice, raising questions about the legality of these measures.
Notably, the administration has threatened Harvard University with the loss of its ability to enroll foreign students unless it complies with demands to provide information on certain visa holders. DHS has also canceled two grants totaling $2.7 million and is reviewing $9 billion in federal contracts and grants to Harvard. These actions are part of a broader crackdown on universities linked to pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's military actions in Gaza.
In response to these developments, Canadian universities have reported a significant increase in applications from U.S.-based students. The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver noted a 27% year-over-year increase in graduate applications from U.S. citizens by March 2025. This surge is attributed to the Trump administration’s revocation of foreign student visas and increased surveillance of international students’ social media.
Legal challenges are mounting as foreign students across the U.S. seek to halt potential deportations. Judges in at least seven states have issued emergency rulings protecting students after the administration removed them from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Legal experts argue that proper procedures were bypassed and that many students have been unjustly targeted.
The situation remains fluid, with universities and advocacy groups calling for greater transparency and adherence to due process in immigration enforcement. As the administration continues its hardline stance, the future of international students in the U.S. hangs in the balance.