WASHINGTON, USA – Hundreds of international students across the United States are facing sudden visa cancellations and terminations of their legal status, causing widespread panic and confusion on college campuses nationwide.
At least 901 students from 128 colleges have been affected, according to an Associated Press review.
The number of impacted students is expected to be higher, as advocacy groups warn of growing cases.
While many of those affected come from India and China, lawyers say no region appears to be exempt, with students from other countries also facing similar issues.
The controversy stems from the abrupt termination of students’ legal status, often for minor infractions such as traffic violations.
Some students were reportedly unaware of their status being revoked until the government’s immigration database flagged their records.
In a change from past procedures, universities are discovering these terminations directly through the government’s immigration database, sometimes before the affected students are notified.
Boston-based attorney Matthew Maiona noted, “We thought it was unusual at first, but now it’s coming fast and furious.”
Many affected students are left uncertain about their futures, especially those nearing graduation or seeking employment.
In response, four students from Michigan have filed lawsuits against the government, claiming that they were not given clear reasons for their visa terminations. ‘
Similar lawsuits are being filed in other states, including New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Montana, with some judges temporarily restoring the legal status of students while the cases are pending.
With the government remaining silent on the matter, confusion and fear are mounting.
Some students are being advised to leave the country, while others are staying and appealing their cases in an attempt to avoid deportation or detention.
The uncertainty has led many students to alter their daily routines, carrying their immigration documents at all times as they brace for the unknown.
A Chinese Ph.D. student at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, expressed the fear shared by many: “It’s scary. You don’t know if you’ll be the next one.”
