Texas: A wave of cancellation of students visas has sent shock waves through the international student society in the United States, where Texas has so far emerged as the most affected state.
More than 122 international students have reportedly had their visas revoked or their immigration status was completed. These changes have been made through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (Sevis), which indicates a serious threat to their legal status in the country.
Authorities have not yet issued an official explanation of this sudden change. However, immigration experts suggest that this step may be linked to a tightening of immigration policies, increased monitoring of social media and certain political motives.
According to available data, the affected universities include in Texas:
- University of North Texas (UNT): 27 students
- University of Texas in Arlington: 27 students
- Texas A&M University: 23 students
- University of Texas in Dallas: 19 students
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: nine students
- Texas Woman’s University: Four students
- Texas Tech University: Three students
- University of Texas in El Paso: 10 students
In addition, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston has also confirmed changes in immigration status for some international students, although no exact numbers have been revealed.
According to a Vice President of the Faculty’s Senate at the University of North Texas, Sevis status for 16 students was originally terminated, which later rose to 27.
In a recent statement, the US Ministry of Homeland Security announced that it would begin to monitor social media accounts for international students to screen for what it referred to as “anti -Semitic” content.
This step follows two executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, which indicates stricter measures in response to pro-Palestine protests at university campuses and many took place in Texas.
Dallas-based immigration lawyer Naim Sukhia said, “Removal from Sevis undermines a student’s legal right to proper process. It pushes them out of the immigration system without proper explanation.”
According to Sukhia, losing Sevis status ends not only the student’s academic path, but also in danger the legal status of dependent as spouses and children.
He explained that the affected students have very limited opportunities as they can either leave the country or apply for the reintroduction of a long, uncertain and complex legal process.
Still emphasized Sukhia that students receiving such messages should immediately contact their designated school responsible (DSO) and explore the possibility of reinstatement. “Although it is a long and uncertain process, it is still worth pursuing,” he advised.
Meanwhile, according to US media reports, the majority of students affected from visa cancellations are from South Asian countries and the Middle East.
Several affected students and their advocacy groups are considering litigation to contest the decision in court. Meanwhile, a social media campaign with the hashtag of #savetexas Students’ traction is winning justice and support for international students.
A University of Texas spokesman in Dallas commented: “This is a developing situation and we are in constant contact with affected students to guide them through this uncertainty.”
The University of North Texas added that 19 of the 27 students removed from Sevis were graduate students and integrated members of the university’s international academic communities.
Texas, a leading destination for international students in the United States, now seems to turn into a challenging environment for foreign education seekers.
Experts warn that if this trend continues, it can close the doors to American higher education for thousands of hopeful students from around the world. Meanwhile, lawyers have called on affected students and their families to immediately consult experienced immigration attorneys for further guidance and support.
