A recent policy brief released by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has spotlighted a troubling rise in US visa cancellations affecting international students—especially those from India, who account for nearly 50% of the reported cases.
As per AILA’s April 17 report, a total of 327 incidents involving visa cancellations or the closure of SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records were documented. These reports were compiled from students, immigration attorneys, and university staff. Indian nationals made up almost half of these cases, followed by students from China (14%), with additional reports involving students from South Korea, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
The brief highlights that the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program participants are bearing the brunt of these cancellations. Losing SEVIS status immediately halts their ability to work, and for graduates—unlike enrolled students—restoring legal status is a complex and often daunting process.
What’s raising further concern is that many cancellations stemmed from minor legal infractions—such as parking violations or speeding tickets. In most cases, the students were not formally charged, and the matters were later dropped. Only two incidents were reportedly linked to political activism.
India currently represents the largest international student population in the US, with approximately 3.32 lakh Indian students enrolled during the 2023–24 academic year. Of these, nearly 97,556 students are part of the OPT program, which allows recent graduates to gain temporary employment in the US.
Texas Sees Wave of Visa Terminations
Adding to the concern, at least 118 international students in Texas recently experienced abrupt changes to their immigration status. These students were notified that their visas had been revoked or their SEVIS records terminated, in what is being described as a large-scale administrative move, as reported by the Texas Tribune.
Unlike visa revocations—which typically bar re-entry into the US—SEVIS terminations have immediate consequences. They strip students of their legal standing, making them ineligible for employment and disrupting the status of dependent family members.
