The United States has canceled more than 6,000 visas of international students, mostly for breaking laws, overstaying, or being linked to activities under the terrorism law. The Trump administration has also taken action against students involved in pro-Palestine protests, which sparked criticism from Democrats.
Thousands of Student Visas Cancelled
According to the US State Department, over 6,000 visas of international students were canceled this year. Among them, nearly 4,000 visas were canceled for breaking laws, while another 200–300 visas were canceled under Section “INA 3B”, which relates to being connected with terrorist activities.
The State Department explained that the reasons included assault, drunk driving, theft, and providing support for terrorism. However, officials did not clearly define what exactly “support for terrorism” meant.
Actions Against Pro-Palestine Protesters
The Trump administration also took steps against students who joined pro-Palestinian protests. Officials accused them of showing anti-Semitic behavior.
“প্রশাসনের দাবি, তারা ইহুদিবিদ্বেষী আচরণ করেছেন।”
Translation: “The administration claimed that they showed anti-Semitic behavior.”This decision reflects the administration’s strict stance on immigration and international students.
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Law on Terrorist Activities
The US law “INA 3B” covers any activity that is considered a threat to human life or against US laws. This was the basis for canceling 200–300 student visas.
“এই আইনে ‘সন্ত্রাসবাদী কর্মকাণ্ড’ বলতে এমন সব কার্যকলাপ বোঝানো হয়েছে যা মানুষের জীবনের জন্য হুমকিস্বরূপ বা যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের আইনের পরিপন্থী।”
Translation: “According to this law, ‘terrorist activities’ include any actions that threaten human life or go against US law.”
Extra Screening for Visa Applicants
Earlier this year, the Trump administration suspended visa interviews for international students. When interviews restarted in June, new rules were introduced. Students were asked to keep their social media accounts public for extra screening.
Authorities checked whether posts contained any hatred towards US citizens, culture, government, institutions, or basic principles.
Monitoring Anti-Semitic and Terrorist Links
The State Department also instructed its officials to identify individuals who:
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Support or promote foreign terrorist groups
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Pose a threat to national security
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Carry out or support illegal anti-Semitic harassment or violence
“যারা নির্দিষ্ট বিদেশি সন্ত্রাসী বা জাতীয় নিরাপত্তার হুমকিকে সমর্থন, সহায়তা বা প্রচার করে, অথবা যারা অবৈধভাবে ইহুদি বিরোধী হেনস্থা বা সহিংসতা চালায় তাদের শনাক্ত করতে।”
Translation: “Officials were told to identify those who support, assist, or promote specific foreign terrorists or national security threats, or engage in illegal anti-Semitic harassment or violence.”
Official Statement from US Secretary
In May, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during a congressional session that thousands of visas had already been canceled since January.
“সর্বশেষ সংখ্যাটি আমি জানি না, তবে সম্ভবত আরও অনেক ভিসা বাতিল করতে হবে। যারা অতিথি হিসেবে এখানে থাকছেন এবং আমাদের উচ্চশিক্ষা প্রতিষ্ঠানে ব্যাঘাত ঘটাচ্ছেন, তাদের ভিসা আমরা বাতিল করতে থাকব।”
Translation: “I don’t know the latest number, but probably more visas will need to be canceled. Those who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education institutions—we will continue canceling their visas.”
Criticism from Democrats
Democrats strongly criticized this move, calling it an attack against fair process and justice. They argued that the policy unfairly targets students.
Number of International Students in the US
According to the organization Open Doors, during the 2023–24 academic year, over 1.1 million international students from more than 210 countries were studying in the United States.
Source: TBS
