Thousands of international students and recent graduates in the United States are facing growing uncertainty following a wave of visa revocations and terminations of their academic records.
Many of those affected were either studying or working under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, a temporary employment initiative widely used by STEM graduates.
For a newly graduated engineer from Nigeria, the sudden termination of his record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)—the government database used to monitor foreign students—has left him unsure whether he can remain in the US and continue supporting his family.
“I’m trying to maintain the life I’ve built here,” he said. “But what life am I fighting for if people don’t want me?”
Similarly, a biochemist who had completed her doctoral studies in the US found her record terminated just days after being selected for the highly competitive H-1B visa, which allows US employers to hire skilled foreign workers.
“I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. “Then everything I worked hard to obtain was taken away, all of a sudden.”
In another case, an Indian postdoctoral researcher in computer science has filed a lawsuit to prevent his deportation. “I’m afraid to even leave my apartment,” he shared, bewildered by the government’s decision despite having no criminal record or political affiliations.
These individuals are part of a broader group affected by policies and actions taken by the Trump administration in recent weeks.
Since Trump assumed office, more than 4,700 student records have reportedly been terminated in SEVIS, according to figures shared with the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Over the past few weeks alone, more than 180 universities have notified students of record terminations.
Although a SEVIS termination does not automatically invalidate a student’s legal status or require immediate departure from the country, immigration lawyers warn that it can lead to visa revocation, significantly increasing the risk of deportation.
Students have reported receiving government emails shortly after termination, informing them that their visas had been cancelled.
Observers believe the terminations have arisen from a range of factors. Some appear linked to students’ participation in protests or public political expression.
Others have reportedly been triggered by minor legal infractions—such as speeding tickets—or incidents from years ago that were either dismissed or expunged. One researcher, whose misdemeanor charge was dismissed over a decade ago, said, “A mistake made in high school came back to haunt me.”
In many instances, affected students say they were given no reason at all. “There’s a quiet strength among international students,” said Anastasia Lyulina, a biology PhD candidate at Stanford University. “But the constant uncertainty over losing our legal status—without notice, reason, or due process—weighs heavily on us.”
In a rare victory, a Chinese PhD student at Dartmouth College recently had his student status temporarily restored by a federal judge in New Hampshire. According to court records, the student had never committed a crime or even a traffic offence.
Immigration attorney Clay Greenberg criticised the government’s actions, saying they were causing unnecessary fear. “These are students contributing to our economy and scientific progress through the OPT programme,” he said.
While the typical OPT permit lasts one year, STEM graduates may apply for a two-year extension.
Universities are also voicing concerns. Foreign students provide significant tuition revenue and are essential to sustaining graduate programmes. At East Texas A&M University, two-thirds of the physics postgraduate students come from overseas.
“Their contribution allows our small department to thrive,” said Professor Kurtis Williams. “When one of our graduates had his visa revoked last week, it really hit home. I’m gravely concerned for his future.”
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