The US State Department has revoked more than 6,000 visas held by international students, citing violations of American law and overstays.
Officials said most of the cases involved criminal activity, including assault, burglary, and driving under the influence, while several hundred were linked to terrorism provisions.
According to the department, around 4,000 visas were cancelled after students were found guilty of breaking US laws.
A further 200–300 were revoked under terrorism-related provisions in immigration law, which broadly define terrorist activity as acts that endanger human life or violate federal statutes.
The Trump administration has also targeted students accused of supporting groups deemed hostile to the US.
Some students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests were scrutinised, with officials arguing that certain demonstrations included antisemitic behaviour.
This visa crackdown follows earlier measures that tightened student entry requirements. In June, the administration reinstated visa appointments but introduced enhanced vetting, including mandatory disclosure of social media accounts.
Applicants are now screened for content deemed hostile toward US citizens, institutions, or values, as well as links to extremist groups.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in May that thousands of visas had already been rescinded this year and that more revocations were expected.
He argued the policy is aimed at removing individuals who disrupt academic institutions or pose security risks.
Democrats have criticised the move, warning that revoking visas without clear due process undermines international trust in the US education system.
Advocacy groups have also expressed concern that broad definitions of “support for terrorism” could unfairly target students for political speech.
Despite the cancellations, the US remains the world’s leading destination for foreign students, with more than 1.1 million enrolled from over 210 countries during the 2023–24 academic year, according to Open Doors.