Many international students in the U.S. are facing sudden visa cancellations and legal status terminations, causing panic on college campuses.
“We thought it was unusual at first,” said Boston-based attorney Matthew Maiona. “Now it’s coming fast and furious.”
An AP review found at least 901 students from 128 colleges affected, mostly from India and China, though all regions are impacted. Some were targeted over minor infractions like traffic violations.
Four Michigan students are suing the government, saying they weren’t given clear reasons. Similar cases have popped up nationwide, with judges in states like New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Montana temporarily restoring some statuses.
Unlike before, universities are now learning about terminations directly from immigration databases — often before students are notified.
With no official response from the government, fear and confusion grow. Some students are being told to leave, while others stay and appeal, fearing deportation.
“It’s scary,” said a Chinese Ph.D. student at UNC Chapel Hill. “You don’t know if you’ll be the next one.”
