International Students Face Sudden Visa Revocations via email and told to self deport

[Social Media]

 

International Students Face Sudden Visa Revocations via email and told to self deport

 

For countless students around the world, a visa to study in the United States represents a dream come true — a gateway to some of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions and future opportunities. But for hundreds of students currently enrolled in American colleges and universities, that dream is abruptly unraveling as their student visas are being revoked, often without warning, leaving them with a chilling mandate: leave the country immediately or face arrest.

 

Under the administration of President Donald Trump, the U.S. government intensified efforts to scrutinize and cancel visas, particularly those granted to international students and academic researchers. The State Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have begun employing their broad authority to revoke visas at an alarming pace. In many instances, affected students say they were notified not by immigration authorities but by their schools — if they were notified at all.

 

There are only a few visa types that allow non-citizens to study in the U.S. The most common is the F-1 visa, used by students enrolled in academic programs, while the M-1 visa applies to vocational training. Institutions that host international students are required to follow strict government protocols. “US higher education institutions take the responsibility of enrolling international students and complying with SEVP requirements very seriously and understand the consequences of not doing so,” said Fanta Aw, CEO of the Association of International Educators.

 

“Institutions have codes of conduct and disciplinary measures in place to address student conduct which may result in terminating a student’s SEVIS record as outlined by SEVP, just as there are established grounds for the government or the institution to withdraw its certification.”

 

The process of revoking a student visa does not require a formal criminal charge. According to the State Department’s Foreign Affairs Manual, “The Department may revoke a visa when it receives derogatory information directly from another US Government agency, including a member of the intelligence or law enforcement community.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio has personally ordered the termination of hundreds of visas under a rarely invoked clause allowing revocation if an individual's presence could have “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.”

 

This bureaucratic shift has created what appears to be a two-pronged approach. Once the State Department revokes a student’s visa, U.S.

 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) steps in, either sending an email instructing the student to leave the country voluntarily or, in some cases, physically detaining them. Some students received no direct communication from the government. Stanford University revealed that it found out about the visa revocations of four students and two recent graduates only during a routine check of the SEVIS database on April 4.

 

According to immigration attorney Jeff Joseph, president-elect of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the change in enforcement is stark. “Up until Trump took office, it was really up to the designated school officers to initiate that revocation in SEVIS,” he told CNN. “What we’re seeing now is that ICE is doing it themselves.”

 

The State Department reinforced this new posture in a Facebook post in March, stating, “US visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued. We continuously check visa holders to ensure they follow all US laws and immigration rules – and we will revoke their visas and deport them if they don’t.”

 

For some students, the first inkling of trouble comes in the form of an email from DHS. “Do not attempt to remain in the United States. The federal government will find you,” one message read, according to Boston immigration attorney Nicole Micheroni, who received the email on behalf of a client. The students are often told they must “self-deport” within seven days to avoid arrest.

 

The long-term consequences are severe. A student whose visa is revoked for violating the terms of their stay is barred from applying for a new visa for at least five years. And although hundreds of thousands of student visas are approved annually, many for extensions or changes in status, the specter of sudden revocation now hangs over international students like a storm cloud, casting uncertainty on their education and their future in the United States.

 

Adpated by ASEAN Now from CNN  2025-04-21

 

Related Topics:

 

US Revokes 300 Student Visas in Crackdown on Campus Protests

Palestinian Columbia Protester Detained by ICE During Citizenship Appointment

U.S. State Dept to Use AI to Revoke Visas of Foreign Students with Alleged Ties to Hamas

 

 

[JimHuaHin]

Again, Trump shoots America in the foot.

[JAG]

Absolutely going to raise the international standing of The United States to a new high!

[mfd101]

All non-Usofans everywhere need to be adjusting their attitudes and thinking about the state of the world and its evolution for the next, say, half-century.

 

Uncle Sam declining economically & strategically, and not just relative to China but absolutely, and that's not going to stop when Trump leaves office (whenever he does).

 

China on the rise, the new top dog in the pack. And though it won't be all smooth for the Chinese, there's nothing obvious that is going to stop that rise. The US & Europe are already falling behind in many areas of technology. The Chinese social and construction developments (trains, bridges, AI in daily use ... ) are breathtaking.

 

For this Oz, an interesting process of world-view adjustment is under way.

[rudi49jr]

The so-called advocates of free speech (Trump and his MAGA mob) punishing people for exercising their right to free speech.

Free speech for all! But if we don’t like what you say, we’re going to prosecute you, throw you in jail and/or deport you. 

[FlorC]

Why is this a bad thing ?

US uni's for US citizens.

Why do foreign students take the place of natives ?

Maybe it will make universities cheaper, less student debt.

And not so competitive to get in.

[WDSmart]

This, like most of Trump's actions, is a horror show! 😡

[stevenl]

  On 4/21/2025 at 7:51 AM, FlorC said:

Maybe it will make universities cheaper, less student debt.

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Considering the fees foreign students are paying, that seems unlikely.

[BusyB]

  On 4/21/2025 at 7:51 AM, FlorC said:

Why is this a bad thing ?

US uni's for US citizens.

Why do foreign students take the place of natives ?

Maybe it will make universities cheaper, less student debt.

And not so competitive to get in.

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Your mind is so narrow it couldn't even accommodate a ciggy paper.

 

And no strength of opthalmologist's prescription could possibly correct the short sightedness.

[BritManToo]

  On 4/21/2025 at 12:03 AM, Social Media said:

The long-term consequences are severe. A student whose visa is revoked for violating the terms of their stay is barred from applying for a new visa for at least five years. And although hundreds of thousands of student visas are approved annually, many for extensions or changes in status, the specter of sudden revocation now hangs over international students like a storm cloud, casting uncertainty on their education and their future in the United States.

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They should have behaved themselves.

[FlorC]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:07 AM, BusyB said:

 

Your mind is so narrow it couldn't even accommodate a ciggy paper.

 

And no strength of opthalmologist's prescription could possibly correct the short sightedness.

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I don't smoke , so no need to accommodate a ciggy paper.

I'm not short sighted , I need glasses to read.

Thanks for your helpful reply !

[rudi49jr]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:13 AM, BritManToo said:

They should have behaved themselves.

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Most, if not all, just exercised their right of free speech. But the thin-skinned man child occupying the White House and his cronies can’t deal with even the slightest little bit of criticism.

[BritManToo]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:23 AM, rudi49jr said:

Most, if not all, just exercised their right of free speech. But the thin-skinned man child occupying the White House and his cronies can’t deal with even the slightest little bit of criticism.

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I think foreign troublemakers should be removed from Western countries.

Trump is doing a great job, and I imagine the citizens that voted for him are happy with his actions.

[Jimjim1]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:23 AM, rudi49jr said:

But the thin-skinned man child occupying the White House and his cronies can’t deal with even the slightest little bit of criticism.

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No despot can.

[ChipButty]

Im all for that, sling them all out, all they do is complain about America but want to study here, get back to your own tin pot ghetto's, well done Trump, 

[Digitalbanana]

  On 4/21/2025 at 7:51 AM, FlorC said:

Why do foreign students take the place of natives ?

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Likely because they cannot find anyone not as thick as a sack of bricks to fill the slots?

 

Key universities benefit from reserving slots for foreign nationals because it fosters diversity, global perspectives, and innovation. International students bring unique cultural and academic experiences, enriching classroom discussions and research. This global exchange enhances the university's reputation, attracts top talent, and builds networks that drive collaboration and economic impact. For example, in 2023, international students contributed $40 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 368,000 jobs. Prioritizing only domestic students risks insularity, limiting exposure to global challenges and reducing competitiveness in an interconnected world.

But when you are isolationist and as dumb as a sack of bricks, thats hard to grasp.

[black tabby12345]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:06 AM, stevenl said:

Considering the fees foreign students are paying, that seems unlikely.

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Some people don't know something: Overseas students often need to pay more than the locals.

Kicking out aliens and foreign products, and it will make everything cheaper in USA.

That' what DT cult followers often believe.

While the things are going opposite.

They are well demonstrating some old proverb: Ignorance is bliss.

[rudi49jr]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:26 AM, BritManToo said:

I think foreign troublemakers should be removed from Western countries.

Trump is doing a great job, and I imagine the citizens that voted for him are happy with his actions.

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So now you’re a troublemaker if you speak your mind? What happened to free speech?  Or does that only apply if you say ‘the right thing’?

[JonnyF]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:26 AM, BritManToo said:

I think foreign troublemakers should be removed from Western countries.

Trump is doing a great job, and I imagine the citizens that voted for him are happy with his actions.

Expand  

 

Exactly.

 

These old Lib farangs should try going out in Bangkok and protesting about the Thai government foreign policy for weeks on end. Putting on masks and intimidating others. What they get arrested, they can start crying about their human rights and freedom of speech. See how they like the floor of the IDC as they try to Crowdfund enough money for a flight home. 

 

If these "students" think the US is so terrible that they need to protest, they can go back to whatever dump they came from. See what their freedom of speech is like there. 

[FlorC]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:37 AM, Digitalbanana said:

Likely because they cannot find anyone not as thick as a sack of bricks to fill the slots?

 

Key universities benefit from reserving slots for foreign nationals because it fosters diversity, global perspectives, and innovation. International students bring unique cultural and academic experiences, enriching classroom discussions and research. This global exchange enhances the university's reputation, attracts top talent, and builds networks that drive collaboration and economic impact. For example, in 2023, international students contributed $40 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 368,000 jobs. Prioritizing only domestic students risks insularity, limiting exposure to global challenges and reducing competitiveness in an interconnected world.

But when you are isolationist and as dumb as a sack of bricks, thats hard to grasp.

Expand  

Well the scholing in the US is not what it used to be. Looking at your smartphone 12 hours a day at social media , yes dumb as a sack of bricks.

You've got some good points , but you lost me after : fosters diversity 😒

[Chomper Higgot]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:46 AM, JonnyF said:

 

Exactly.

 

These old Lib farangs should try going out in Bangkok and protesting about the Thai government foreign policy for weeks on end. Putting on masks and intimidating others. What they get arrested, they can start crying about their human rights and freedom of speech. See how they like the floor of the IDC as they try to Crowdfund enough money for a flight home. 

 

If these "students" think the US is so terrible that they need to protest, they can go back to whatever dump they came from. See what their freedom of speech is like there. 

Expand  

 
There’s a clue in the OP Jonny, it’s nothing to do with Bangkok or the Thai Government.

 

[rudi49jr]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:51 AM, FlorC said:

Well the scholing in the US is not what it used to be. Looking at your smartphone 12 hours a day at social media , yes dumb as a sack of bricks.

You've got some good points , but you lost me after : fosters diversity 😒

Expand  

Diversity, the dreaded four-letter-word that scares the bejesus out of MAGA.

[JonnyF]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:58 AM, Chomper Higgot said:

 
There’s a clue in the OP Jonny, it’s nothing to do with Bangkok or the Thai Government.

 

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I guess you've never heard of an analogy Chomps. 

 

Oh wait, yes you have...

[JonnyF]

  On 4/21/2025 at 9:00 AM, rudi49jr said:

Diversity, the dreaded four-letter-word that scares the bejesus out of MAGA.

Expand  

 

Diversity of opinion, the concept that scares Libs worldwide. 

[SLOWHAND225]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:37 AM, Digitalbanana said:

Likely because they cannot find anyone not as thick as a sack of bricks to fill the slots?

 

Key universities benefit from reserving slots for foreign nationals because it fosters diversity, global perspectives, and innovation. International students bring unique cultural and academic experiences, enriching classroom discussions and research. This global exchange enhances the university's reputation, attracts top talent, and builds networks that drive collaboration and economic impact. For example, in 2023, international students contributed $40 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 368,000 jobs. Prioritizing only domestic students risks insularity, limiting exposure to global challenges and reducing competitiveness in an interconnected world.

But when you are isolationist and as dumb as a sack of bricks, thats hard to grasp.

Expand  

What are the rules of the board about plagiarism ?
Because other than the 1st and last sentence, you didn't write that.

[Nick Carter icp]

  On 4/21/2025 at 9:00 AM, rudi49jr said:

Diversity, the dreaded four-letter-word that scares the bejesus out of MAGA.

Expand  

 

   Stop playing the race card .

They are being deported for breaking the law and for breaking visa rules . Its nothing to do with anyone's race or ethnicity , its about their criminal behaviour

[FlorC]

  On 4/21/2025 at 9:00 AM, rudi49jr said:

Diversity, the dreaded four-letter-word that scares the bejesus out of MAGA.

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I count 9 letters 😋

[Smokey and the Bandit]

  On 4/21/2025 at 8:13 AM, BritManToo said:

They should have behaved themselves.

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Quite right, f the had studied like they said on their visa application instead of protesting and some becoming activists, like they DID NOT say on their visa application they wouldn't be in hot water!!

[rudi49jr]

  On 4/21/2025 at 9:07 AM, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Stop playing the race card .

They are being deported for breaking the law and for breaking visa rules . Its nothing to do with anyone's race or ethnicity , its about their criminal behaviour

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You really don’t have a clue what’s going on, do you? Even people born in USA, natural born citizens, are getting emails to self-deport. 

[Nick Carter icp]

  On 4/21/2025 at 9:13 AM, rudi49jr said:

You really don’t have a clue what’s going on, do you? Even people born in USA, natural born citizens, are getting emails to self-deport. 

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  Can you provide a link to back that claim up ?