Trump Administration Revokes Over 300 International Student Visas, Impacting Top U.S. Universities

A sweeping crackdown on immigration under President Donald Trump’s second term has led to the revocation of over 300 international student visas, with dozens of prominent universities—including Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA—confirming cases of affected students.

The U.S. State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, confirmed the visa cancellations as part of an ongoing policy shift targeting foreign nationals in academic institutions. While some of the revocations have been tied to alleged immigration or legal violations, many students received no explanation for their student visa status changes, prompting confusion and concern on campuses nationwide.

Harvard University reported five cases—three current students and two recent graduates. Stanford University confirmed six affected individuals, while Ohio State, Minnesota State, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst each reported five students with revoked visas. The University of California system, including UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Berkeley, acknowledged disruptions but did not release specific figures.

Protests and emergency meetings have erupted on several campuses as university administrators scramble to understand the scope and implications of the crackdown. Students, many of whom are midway through degree programs or awaiting graduation, now face uncertain academic and legal futures.

Here is a summary of the reported visa revocations by institution:

1. Arizona State University: 8 students
2. Central Michigan University: 4 students
3. Colorado State University: 6 students
4. Harvard University: 5 students
5. Kent State University: 3 students
6. Minnesota State University: 5 students
7. North Carolina State University: 2 students
8. Ohio State University: 5 students
9. Stanford University: 6 students
10. University of California System: Unknown number; multiple campuses affected
11. University of Cincinnati: “Small number” of students
12. University of Colorado: 2 students
13. University of Kentucky: Unspecified number
14. University of Massachusetts Amherst: 5 students
15. University of Michigan: 4 students
16. University of Nevada, Las Vegas: 4 students
17. University of Oregon: 1 student

The policy shift follows President Trump’s re-election in 2024, during which he campaigned heavily on immigration reform, citing national security and economic protectionism. Last week, President Trump signed executive orders aimed at expanding coal mining—a move symbolising his broader focus on domestic priorities over international engagement.

University officials across the country have begun compiling internal reports to track the impact and explore legal remedies for affected students. Meanwhile, advocacy groups and legal experts warn of long-term consequences for America’s standing as a global education hub.

“This sends a chilling message to international scholars and researchers who are vital to our academic institutions,” one university spokesperson said. “We’re urging the administration to provide clarity and reconsider the sweeping nature of these actions.”

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