In a sweeping crackdown on student activism, the US Department of State has reportedly canceled the visas of hundreds of international students for supporting Palestine through campus protests and social media activity. Affected students holding F-1 visas have been ordered to leave the country immediately or risk detention, fines, and deportation.
Visa Cancellation & Self-Deportation Orders
The Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Office issued emails to students informing them of their visa cancellations, citing “newly available information” as the reason for revoking their legal status in the US. Under immigration law, once a visa is revoked, the individual is deemed “out of status,” making their continued presence in the country illegal.
Students were warned that failing to leave voluntarily could result in forced deportation, fines, and a long-term ban on re-entry into the US. They were advised to use the newly launched CBP Home app, introduced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which enables immigrants to voluntarily self-deport instead of being detained by US authorities.
Social Media Activity Also Under Scrutiny
Legal experts have raised concerns that even students who merely liked or shared pro-Palestine content on social media could be at risk of visa cancellation. Immigration attorneys report that the Trump administration’s AI-driven “catch and revoke” initiative is scanning digital activity to identify foreign students allegedly advocating for groups designated as terrorist organizations by the US government.
A lawyer representing several affected students stated, “Some of these students never attended protests in person. Their only connection to activism was social media interactions, yet they are being penalized as if they engaged in unlawful activities.”
Future Visa Implications & Legal Options
Students who lose their F-1 status due to visa cancellation may be permanently ineligible for future US visas. If deported, their records could carry bans that prevent them from re-entering the country for years.
Immigration lawyers are urging students to consult legal professionals to assess options for reinstating their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) status or preparing legal defenses if removal proceedings are initiated.
