A recent report by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has raised concerns over the rising number of visa cancellations affecting international students in the United States, with Indian students making up nearly 50% of the cases reported. According to AILA’s policy brief, a total of 327 cases of cancelled visas or closed SEVIS records were gathered through reports submitted by students, attorneys, and university employees.
Of the reported cases, almost half were Indian nationals, followed by 14% Chinese students. Other nations impacted include South Korea, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The AILA brief highlights that most impacted students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) have serious problems, as a terminated SEVIS record disallows them from continuing work right away. Reinstatement of status is particularly more complex for graduates than for students still enrolled.
The reasons for the visa cancellations have raised eyebrows, with students being flagged following minor encounters with the police, including parking fines and minor speeding fines. In most cases, students were not charged or their cases were dropped. Only two of the reported cases were related to political activism. AILA determined that the inconsistent rationale for SEVIS terminations and visa revocations indicates a disturbing trend, with numerous students unexpectedly caught in legal and academic limbo.
India now has the highest number of foreign students in the US, with 3.32 lakh students in the 2023-24 academic year. Of these, nearly 97,556 students, or nearly 29%, are in the US on the OPT program, which enables foreign graduates to work in the US on a temporary basis. The visa cancellations have significant implications for Indian students, who may face uncertainty and disruption to their academic and professional careers.
The AILA report has raised concerns among education stakeholders and family members of affected students. The inconsistent application of visa policies and the lack of transparency in the visa cancellation process have been criticized. The report highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to visa cancellations, taking into account the individual circumstances of each student.
The rising number of visa cancellations affecting Indian students in the US is a cause for concern. The AILA report highlights the need for greater transparency and consistency in the visa cancellation process. As the largest group of international students in the US, Indian students deserve a fair and predictable system that allows them to pursue their academic and professional goals without unnecessary disruption.
