The Issue
The Trump administration has started revoking visas of foreign students involved in Gaza-related protests or associated with pro-Palestine or human rights advocacy.
Visa revocation includes those participating in campus sit-ins, protest occupations, and any activity viewed as a threat to public order or linked to anti-Semitic movements.
Legal Basis of Visa Revocation
Governed under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952.
Empowers the Secretary of State to revoke visas if a foreign national is deemed a security risk or threat to national interest.
Introduced the ‘Catch and Revoke’ programme:
By March 27, over 300 students had their visas revoked.
AI-based screening of social media is being used to monitor foreign students' views and activism.
Impact on Indian Students
3.31 lakh Indian students in the U.S. in 2023–24.
Indian students are reportedly among those affected.
Surveillance & SEVIS
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) tracks all foreign students since 2003 (post-9/11).
Schools must report non-attendance or irregularities.
Visas can be automatically revoked if students stop attending classes.
The revocation list includes top U.S. universities:
Columbia, UPenn, Johns Hopkins, Arizona State, Cornell, University of Minnesota, Georgetown, etc.
Legal and Constitutional Challenges
ACLU and other civil rights bodies have criticized the move:
Argue that free speech and peaceful protest are protected under the First Amendment.
Lawsuits have been filed by:
American Association of University Professors (AAUP).
Middle East Studies Association.
Allegation: The policy targets students based on political views, violating academic freedom.
Challenges to the Policy
The affected are foreign nationals, not U.S. citizens — hence limited constitutional protections.
Unless successfully challenged in court, the policy may continue.
Trends in Foreign Student Enrollment
Foreign student numbers:
1949-50: 26,000
2019-20: Nearly 1.1 million
Share of total student population: 1% to 6%
Foreign students are a significant part of U.S. academic and economic ecosystems.
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