The Trump administration has revoked 4,000 student visas from international students accused of serious criminal offenses, marking a shift toward stricter immigration enforcement under a “zero tolerance” approach. The canceled visas were linked to individuals charged with crimes such as assault, robbery, DUI, child endangerment, human and wildlife trafficking, arson, and domestic abuse.
According to officials, over 90% of the affected students had been involved in severe offenses. The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department identified these individuals by cross-referencing immigration data with existing law enforcement records. Minor infractions or cases with dropped charges were excluded from the action.
Most of the students affected were from Asia and the Middle East. They were notified by the State Department that their legal status in the United States had been revoked. While some students have already left the country voluntarily, others are expected to be detained and deported by immigration authorities.
This move is part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized that those who misuse student visas or engage in disruptive or unlawful conduct on campus will face removal. He stated that student visa holders are expected to focus on academics and not engage in criminal or disorderly activities.
There is a possibility that other visa categories may be reviewed in the future as part of similar enforcement efforts, though no specific actions have been confirmed.
