US Revokes F-1 Visas: Hundreds of International Students Told to Self-Deport

Hundreds of international students in the US have received emails from the Department of State (DOS) instructing them to self-deport after their F-1 student visas were revoked due to alleged campus activism. The crackdown extends beyond those who physically participated in demonstrations, reportedly targeting individuals who merely liked or shared 'anti-national' posts on social media.

According to The Times of India, some Indian students have also been affected, with immigration attorneys confirming that even minimal social media engagement has led to visa cancellations. The latest Open Doors report states that out of the 1.1 million international students in the US in 2023-24, 3.31 lakh are from India.

This directive follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement regarding the cancellation of multiple international students' visas over alleged anti-national activities.

"It might be more than 300 at this point. We do it every day. Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visas... Every country has the right to decide who can visit and who cannot," Rubio stated at a press conference in Guyana on Thursday. He did not specify which individuals had their visas revoked.

During a discussion with reporters en route to Washington, Rubio confirmed that the revoked visas included both student and visitor visas, stating that he personally authorized each revocation.

"At some point, I hope we run out because we've removed all of them, but we are actively searching for these individuals causing disturbances," he added.

Rubio's office also launched an AI-powered tool, "Catch and Revoke," designed to detect and cancel visas of students found supporting Hamas or other designated terrorist organizations. As part of the intensified scrutiny, DOS and consulate officials are now examining new student visa applications-including F (academic study), M (vocational study), and J (exchange programs). Applicants flagged for misconduct will be denied entry to the US.

Contents of the Email

Students received official emails instructing them to self-deport using the CBP Home App, introduced by the Trump administration on March 10.

According to the email cited by TOI, the message stated: "On behalf of the United States Department of State, the Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Office hereby informs you that additional information became available after your visa was issued. As a result, your F-1 visa with expiration date XXXXX was revoked in accordance with Section 221(i) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended."

The email further noted that the Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Office had informed the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which oversees the Student Exchange Visitor Program and manages removal proceedings. The student's designated school official (DSO) might also be notified about the visa revocation.

The document warned that remaining in the US without lawful immigration status could result in fines, detention, or deportation.

"It may also make you ineligible for a future US visa. Deportation can occur at any time, potentially preventing individuals from securing their belongings or finalizing their affairs in the United States. Deportees may be sent to countries other than their country of origin," the notice read.

Additionally, the email stated that any affected student wishing to return to the US in the future must apply for a new visa, at which point their eligibility would be reassessed.

"Upon leaving the United States, you must personally present your passport to the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa so it can be physically canceled. Do not attempt to use your visa, as it has been revoked. If you intend to return to the United States in the future, you must reapply for a visa, and your eligibility will be determined at that time," the message concluded.

Rubio: 'Visa Is Not a Birthright'

Earlier this week, Rubio emphasized that holding a US visa is a privilege, not a right.

"I don't know when we started thinking of visas as some sort of birthright. They are not," he stated on CBS News' "Face the Nation."

"A visa is a temporary authorization for someone to enter our country. If they violate the conditions of that visitation, they will be required to leave," he added.