U.S. Administration Introduces New Measures for International Students
- Dogeon Lim
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
April 24, 2025
Dogeon Lim
There are now about 1.5 million international students pursuing higher education in the United States. However, recent policy changes and immigration enforcement actions have led to growing unease among these students. In recent months, some students and recent graduates have had their visas revoked by immigration officials, resulting in confusion and concern on campuses across the country.
The precise reasons behind these actions are not fully known. Initially, authorities indicated that visa cancellations were related to students who may have been involved in pro-Palestinian protests on campuses during the recent Israel-Gaza conflict. In early March, some students were reportedly detained or deported under provisions of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows for removal of individuals believed to potentially interfere with U.S. foreign policy.
Subsequently, the scope of enforcement appeared to expand. According to various reports and legal documents, some visa terminations have been linked to legal infractions such as traffic violations or older misdemeanors.
“For privacy and visa confidentiality reasons, we generally will not comment on Department actions concerning specific cases,” a spokesperson for the State Department told CNN.
It also remains unclear whether new enforcement criteria will be introduced. NBC News reported that a unit within the Department of Homeland Security has been established to review international students’ social media activity, though the specific use and scope of this monitoring have not been publicly detailed.
These developments have contributed to uncertainty and stress on many college campuses, particularly among international students and faculty. Some students come from countries facing political instability and may be uncertain about returning home. At the same time, many universities have not provided clear communication or support regarding these changes. In response, some students have begun limiting their social media activity due to concerns that past posts could potentially affect their immigration status or academic opportunities.
