At least 450 international students, including a number of Pakistani students, have had their U.S. visas abruptly canceled, sparking widespread concern across academic institutions.
Many affected students are Muslim and South Asian, particularly from Pakistan, and were enrolled at prestigious universities such as Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, and the University of Texas at Austin.
The University of California system has been notably impacted, with multiple campuses—Berkeley, San Diego, Irvine, Davis, and UCLA—reporting cancellations. At UCLA alone, 12 students, including recent graduates, have been affected. UC Berkeley reported six cases, and the University of Michigan confirmed that at least four students were impacted, one of whom has already left the country.
Harvard and Stanford confirmed visa revocations for several students and alumni. Most of these cancellations were discovered through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) without prior notice or explanation.
Although the U.S. State Department and Department of Homeland Security have yet to issue official statements, former Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed over 300 student visas were canceled nationwide, alleging ties to political activism, particularly pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
University leaders and advocacy groups have condemned the lack of transparency and due process. Institutions are providing legal and institutional support, emphasizing their commitment to protecting the rights and academic futures of their international students.
