International students across the United States are being forced to leave the country after their student visas were suddenly revoked by the Trump administration, raising alarm among universities and immigration lawyers.
According to CNN, Truthlivenews learnt that an email reportedly sent by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warned: “Do not attempt to remain in the United States. The federal government will find you.” The message was shared by immigration lawyer Nicole Micheroni, who represents several affected students.
Many students claim they were given little or no explanation for the sudden cancellation of their visas. Some say they were arrested without prior notice, while others learned of their status change only through their universities.
Lawyer Dustin Baxter, who is representing over 100 students in a legal challenge against the government, said, “Some of these students were not protesters, had no criminal charges, or were simply ticketed or stopped by police—yet their visas were revoked.”
In some instances, students were unaware their visas had been cancelled until school officials checked immigration records. Stanford University confirmed that four students and two recent graduates had their visas rescinded, a discovery made during a routine check of the federal SEVIS database on April 4.
“This is a shift from past practice,” Jeff Joseph, incoming president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, told CNN .
“Previously, visa revocations were usually initiated by universities. Now, ICE is acting unilaterally.”
A particularly shocking case involved Tufts University doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk, who was handcuffed by immigration agents just days after her visa was revoked without warning. Surveillance footage reportedly shows her screaming in fear and confusion.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the visa cancellations are being carried out under national security provisions, which allow revocations for individuals deemed to pose “serious foreign policy consequences.”
The State Department defended its actions, stating it holds “broad authority” to cancel visas at any time and is continuously monitoring holders for compliance. “We will revoke their visas and deport them if they don’t follow the rules,” a spokesperson warned.
Critics argue the new approach lacks transparency and undermines the rights of international students, many of whom say they came to the U.S. in good faith to pursue education.