Hundreds of international students have been left stranded, confused, and devastated as the United States government revoked over 600 student visas in a sweeping immigration review. Most of the affected students were already enrolled in U.S. universities or had secured admission for the fall semester. Many had invested thousands of dollars in tuition, housing, and travel — only to be told they could no longer enter the country.
The move, reportedly part of a broader review of student visa compliance and national security protocols, has sparked outrage among students, educators, and human rights advocates.
“I was two weeks away from starting my Master’s at a top school in New York,” said Temiloluwa, a Nigerian student whose F-1 visa was cancelled without explanation. “I’ve already paid my fees and left my job. Now I’m stuck — no degree, no refund, and no plan B.”
The U.S. State Department has not publicly detailed the reasons for the mass revocations, but multiple immigration attorneys suggest that increased scrutiny on student visa misuse and pressure from conservative lawmakers may have played a role.
Universities are also scrambling. Many had finalized enrollments and housing arrangements, and now face logistical chaos and reputational damage.
“This is a breach of trust,” said Dr. Melissa Hart, an international education advisor in California. “Students did everything right — they followed the rules, got accepted, got their visas. And then it all gets pulled with zero transparency.”
Affected students from countries like Nigeria, India, Ghana, and Pakistan are now facing serious uncertainty, with many fearing deportation or loss of academic years. Calls are growing for U.S. lawmakers and higher education bodies to intervene.
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