- In 2025, the U.S. Department of State revoked more than 6,000 student visas due to overstays, legal violations and alleged ties to terrorism, as part of a broader Trump administration immigration crackdown.
- Around 4,000 revocations were linked to crimes such as assault, DUI and burglary, while 200 to 300 involved alleged support for terrorist groups like Hamas.
- Foreign students involved in political protests, particularly pro-Palestinian demonstrations, have faced heightened scrutiny, with active visa reviews underway.
- The State Department reports approximately 40,000 total visa revocations in 2025, more than double the number from the same period under the Biden administration.
- Despite criticism, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended the policy, arguing that student visas are privileges, not rights and revocations are necessary for national security.
The U.S. Department of State has revoked more than 6,000 student visas so far in 2025 due to visa overstays and legal violations, including cases involving support for terrorism as part of a broader immigration crackdown under the Trump administration.
According to the agency, about 4,000 of the revoked student visas were linked to legal infractions such as assault, driving under the influence and burglary. Roughly 800 of those cases involved students who were arrested or charged in connection with assaults. An additional 200 to 300 students had their visas pulled due to alleged ties to terrorism, such as raising funds for Hamas, a group the U.S. classifies as a terrorist organization. (Related: Columbia University student self-deports following visa revocation over pro-Hamas protests.)
The Trump administration's push has included increased scrutiny of foreign students who participate in political demonstrations, including recent pro-Palestinian protests that have spread across American college campuses. In May, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that his department was actively reviewing the visa status of students involved in such activism.
Altogether, the State Department says approximately 40,000 visas of all types have been revoked so far in 2025, more than double the number revoked during the same time frame under the Biden administration.
"Every single student visa revoked under the Trump Administration has happened because the individual has either broken the law or expressed support for terrorism while in the United States," a senior department official said.
Rubio defends student visa crackdown amid backlash
According to Brighteon AI's Enoch, a student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the country for the primary purpose of pursuing full-time academic or vocational studies at an approved institution, such as a university, college or language program. The most common types are the F-1 visa (for academic students) and M-1 visa (for vocational or non-academic training), both of which require proof of enrollment, financial stability and intent to return home after completion.
Holders must comply with strict regulations, including maintaining student status, avoiding unauthorized employment and adhering to program duration. Violations can lead to immediate termination of visa status, removal from the country or future visa revocation under heightened enforcement policies.
The Trump administration has faced intense backlash over student visa revocations, but Rubio has strongly defended the policy.
"There is no constitutional right to a student visa. A student visa is something we decide to give you," he said in an interview with EWTN in early August. "Visas of every kind are denied every day all over the world. As I speak to you now, someone's visa application to the U.S. is being denied. So, if I would have denied you a visa had I known something about you, and I find out afterwards that I gave you a visa and I found this out about you, why wouldn't I be able to revoke your visa?"
The administration shows no signs of reversing course, framing visa revocations as a matter of national security and sovereign discretion.
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