US cancels over 6,000 international student visas citing crimes and security risks

The US government has canceled more than 6,000 international student visas after identifying serious violations, including overstays, criminal conduct, and links to terrorism, according to the State Department.

Officials said the large-scale action was aimed at tightening oversight of student visas, which have drawn concern in recent years over potential misuse.

More than 1.1 million international students were enrolled in American colleges during the 2023-24 academic year.

Of the revoked visas, nearly 4,000 were tied to criminal offenses such as assault, burglary, and driving under the influence.

Authorities emphasized that such actions not only breached US law but also created safety risks for campuses and local communities.

Investigations further revealed 200 to 300 cases connected to terrorism. These visas were canceled under a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that addresses terrorism and national security grounds.

Officials did not disclose detailed information about these cases but described them as significant.

“The scale of enforcement reflects a tougher stance against individuals who fail to comply with immigration rules,” a senior official said, noting that many of the students involved had overstayed their permitted duration of stay.

The move comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny of student visas.

The Trump administration had earlier introduced stricter checks, requiring applicants to disclose social media handles and directing officers to watch for extremist or antisemitic activity.

While Washington has defended the cancellations as necessary for security, critics argue that such steps risk undermining due process and could harm the international reputation of US higher education.

The issue has also fueled debate between Republicans and Democrats over how far enforcement should extend.