Foreign students in the United States are being warned that they risk losing their student visas if they fail to attend classes or withdraw from their academic programs without informing their educational institutions. This announcement was made by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi on May 27, 2025, highlighting the importance of compliance with visa requirements.
The Embassy emphasized that students must maintain their student status and adhere to the terms of their visas to avoid serious repercussions, including the potential revocation of their visa and disqualification from future U.S. visas. This warning follows reports that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun canceling visas for international students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
This tightening of immigration regulations has particularly affected Indian students, who represent the largest contingent of international students in the U.S. Recent developments indicate tougher immigration policies initiated during the Trump administration, which include stricter scrutiny of visa applications and status.
Notably, there have been incidents involving Indian students that draw attention to the challenges they face. For example, Ranjini Srinivasan, a research scholar at Columbia University, made headlines when she chose to self-deport to Canada after being involved in pro-Palestine activism. Reports also surfaced regarding visa restrictions placed on travel agencies in India suspected of facilitating illegal immigration to the U.S.
Discussions related to immigration issues have been ongoing between the U.S. and Indian authorities, with recent dialogues involving Vice-President J.D. Vance during his visit to India in April. The evolving immigration landscape remains a critical concern for foreign students, underscoring the necessity to remain vigilant and informed about visa regulations.
As international students navigate these challenges, there is hope that continued dialogue will lead to more supportive policies and a better understanding of the unique challenges they face in their academic journeys. By adhering to visa conditions and actively engaging with campus authorities, students can better secure their status and pursue educational opportunities in the U.S.