Trump’s immigration crackdown hits Indian students hard, Cong calls foraction

The American Immigration Lawyers’ Association (AILA), in its latest report on the immigration crackdown launched by the Donald Trump administration targeting international students, said there have been 327 reports of visa revocations in the US since January, with Indians accounting for 50 per cent of the cases.

In its latest report, AILA documented 327 cases of visa revocations and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) terminations since January, based on inputs from attorneys, students and university officials. Of these, 50 per cent involved Indian nationals, with most on Optional Practical Training (OPT) — international graduates legally working in the US. Once their SEVIS records were terminated, they were immediately barred from employment, the report noted.

The development follows the detention of Columbia University student activist Mahmoud Khalil, which the US government justified by citing the right to deport non-citizens allegedly involved in “antisemitic” pro-Palestinian protests. However, AILA’s findings suggest that students may be facing revocations for minor infractions, with only two of the 327 cases reportedly involving students who had engaged in political protests.

The report also noted that 57 per cent of students were formally notified of the revocation. In addition to Indian students, those from China, South Korea, Nepal and Bangladesh were also affected.

In India, the report sparked political reaction. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene. “The reasons for revocation are random and unclear. This is leading to fear and apprehension. Will the External Affairs Minister take note and raise the concern with his US counterpart?” Ramesh asked.

The Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged the issue on Thursday. “We are aware that several Indian students have received communication from the US government regarding their F-1 visa status. Our embassy and consulates are in touch with the students to provide support,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

India