Caught Drunk Driving in U.S.? You May End Up Losing Your Student Visa! What We Know So Far

The United States has revoked the student visas of over 6,000 as a part of its recent policy of stricter immigration rules. As per a senior official, criminal charges, overstaying visas, and in few cases, suspected links to terrorism are said to be the main reasons behind the decision.

While 4,000 visas were cancelled for criminal activities such as assault, burglary, and drunk driving, almost 200-300 visas were revoked due to alleged ties to terrorism, media reports said.

US Government Tightens Rules for Student Visa Holders

These steps are part of wider changes to the student visa system. The government has expanded background checks, started reviewing applicants’ social media, and told diplomats to report students seen as hostile to US interests or involved in political activism.

Tensions have also grown between the White House and American universities. President Trump has accused some colleges of tolerating antisemitism after pro-Palestinian protests during the Gaza war. In response, his administration has threatened to remove Harvard University’s tax-exempt status and freeze funding for certain campus investigations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “hundreds or possibly thousands” of visa cancellations were linked to activities judged as going against US foreign policy. Officials also warned that foreign students or green card holders could face deportation if they openly support Palestinians or criticise Israel, actions some in the administration associate with Hamas.

Top Overseas Destination for International Students – US

One case involved a Turkish student at Tufts University, who was detained in Louisiana for more than six weeks after co-authoring an article critical of her university’s stance on the Gaza conflict. A federal judge later released her on bail.

Critics say cancelling visas based on political speech could violate free speech rights under the First Amendment and weaken academic freedom. Democrats have called the measures an attack on due process.

Despite these tensions, the US remains the top destination for international students. More than 1.1 million students from over 210 countries were enrolled in American universities during the 2023–24 academic year, according to data from Open Doors.

Also Read: US Opens Student Visa Applications; Warns Against Misuse Amid Security Focus