The U.S. State Department has revoked more than 6,000 international student visas, citing violations of U.S. law and visa overstays, according to officials.

Authorities stated that the “vast majority” of these cases involved offenses such as assault, driving under the influence (DUI), burglary, and what was described as “support for terrorism.” Out of the total, roughly 4,000 visas were revoked due to criminal law violations, while an additional 200–300 cases were linked to provisions under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) concerning terrorism-related activities.

The move comes under the administration of Donald Trump, which has taken a tougher stance on immigration and international students. However, the definition of “support for terrorism” has raised concerns among critics, particularly as some cases reportedly involve students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests.

Earlier this year, the administration temporarily paused new student visa appointments. When the process resumed, stricter screening measures were introduced. Applicants are now required to make their social media profiles publicly accessible for review. Officials say this is to identify any signs of hostility toward the United States, its institutions, or its values.

According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the number of revoked visas could increase further. He told lawmakers that “thousands” had already been rescinded since January and suggested that more actions are likely.

The policy has sparked political debate. Critics, particularly from the Democratic Party, argue that the visa revocations may undermine due process and unfairly target students for political expression rather than criminal behavior.

The impact could be significant, given the scale of international education in the U.S. During the 2023–24 academic year, more than 1.1 million international students from over 210 countries were enrolled in American colleges and universities, according to data from Open Doors.

Overall, the decision reflects a broader tightening of immigration controls, with international students increasingly subject to legal scrutiny, behavioral monitoring, and expanded vetting processes.