The U.S. State Department has revoked more than 6,000 student visas this year, according to a senior official, as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on international students accused of overstaying visas, committing crimes, or engaging in activities deemed hostile to U.S. interests.
Approximately 4,000 of the revoked visas involved cases where holders "broke the law," including offenses such as assault, driving under the influence, and burglary, the official said. Between 200 and 300 visas were revoked under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act that render foreign nationals inadmissible for "terrorist related activities."
"These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal, and have no place in American homes," said Peter A. Feldman, acting chairman of the CPSC. "No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing. Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers."
Administration officials have particularly targeted students involved in campus demonstrations against Israel's war in Gaza, accusing them of antisemitism or ties to extremist groups. In one case, Tufts University doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk had her visa revoked in March and was detained by federal immigration agents before a judge ordered her release in May.
In June, the State Department instructed embassies and consulates to scrutinize student visa applicants for "hostile attitudes towards our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles." Applicants are now required to make their social media accounts public as part of the review process. A diplomatic cable noted that "limited access to, or visibility of, online presence could be construed as an effort to evade or hide certain activity."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the policy, saying in an August interview with EWTN: "There is no constitutional right to a student visa. A student visa is something we decide to give you. Visas of every kind are denied every day all over the world. As I speak to you now, someone's visa application to the U.S. is being denied. So, if I would have denied you a visa had I known something about you, and I find out afterwards that I gave you a visa and I found this out about you, why wouldn't I be able to revoke your visa?"
Roughly 400,000 F-1 student visas were issued in fiscal 2024, but that number is expected to fall sharply this year after temporary suspensions of visa appointments and the imposition of new screening measures.
An analysis by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International forecast a 30%-40% decline in new international student enrollment for 2025, contributing to a 15% overall drop this fall. The groups estimated that "such an outcome would deprive local economies of $7 billion in spending and more than 60,000 jobs." Without a rebound in visa issuance during the summer, they warned, as many as 150,000 fewer students may arrive in the U.S. this fall.
