New Delhi: Indian students in the United States are advised to stay put but maintain a low profile, especially on social media, in the wake of the US state department revoking more than 6,000 international student visas early this week owing to violations of the law, said law firms and study abroad consultants.
It comes as the development has sparked fresh concerns over the Donald Trump administration's crackdown on overseas students. About 4,000 of those whose visas have been revoked this week were reportedly found guilty of breaking the law, including through "support for terrorism", according to the agency.
Although the administration has not given a breakdown in terms of the nationality of the students or the alleged offences, it is continuing to target students found to have participated in protests backing Palestine, charging them with antisemitism, according to the consultants.
"This news has made many parents and students back home worried," said Saurabh Arora, CEO, University Living, adding that in some cases, students may have been caught in grey areas such as social media activity or campus protests. "Think of your visa like part of your study-abroad kit. Just like you wouldn't skip an exam or forget an assignment, don't ignore the rule."
More than 330,000 Indians are currently enrolled in US universities, comprising about 30% of the overseas students in the country.
"This is a key reminder for families that a visa is not just an entry stamp; it comes with responsibilities," said another expert. Scrutiny of overseas students may only increase over the next few months given the $170 billion earmarked for US immigration enforcement, said Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder, Collegify.
More than 85% of student visa reviews usually get resolved without lasting impact, he said, adding, "Most students face only short-term procedural hurdles rather than long-term disruptions."
In such cases, students need to ensure their Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) status, paperwork and finances are up to date and they keep engaging with the universities, according to consultants.
"These cases are mostly politically or criminally or visa-term violations linked to students," said Rajneesh Pathak, CEO of GlobalNorth, an investment advisory firm.
Citing the case of a student whose SEVIS record was terminated for a case of driving under the influence, which was later settled, he said, "We advised him to stay put and not leave the country and seek legal help. His record was subsequently restored in about two weeks after a common case was filed. This phase is transitory like many others in the past." US universities, on their part, are offering deferrals, online study options and legal guidance to ensure continuity, said aspirants applying for intake in the next academic year.
Meanwhile, many Indians are now exploring alternative destinations such as the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and even Dubai, Singapore, Japan and parts of Europe.
"This is just to keep back-up options ready which provide more certainty and are not so expensive," said another expert.
According to Keshav Singhania, head private client, Singhania & Co, students from India, China and West Asia are now seeing more US visa approvals delayed, revoked or denied. "This will undoubtedly significantly influence the way Indian students approach their higher education plans," he said.
It comes as the development has sparked fresh concerns over the Donald Trump administration's crackdown on overseas students. About 4,000 of those whose visas have been revoked this week were reportedly found guilty of breaking the law, including through "support for terrorism", according to the agency.
Although the administration has not given a breakdown in terms of the nationality of the students or the alleged offences, it is continuing to target students found to have participated in protests backing Palestine, charging them with antisemitism, according to the consultants.
"This news has made many parents and students back home worried," said Saurabh Arora, CEO, University Living, adding that in some cases, students may have been caught in grey areas such as social media activity or campus protests. "Think of your visa like part of your study-abroad kit. Just like you wouldn't skip an exam or forget an assignment, don't ignore the rule."
More than 330,000 Indians are currently enrolled in US universities, comprising about 30% of the overseas students in the country.
"This is a key reminder for families that a visa is not just an entry stamp; it comes with responsibilities," said another expert. Scrutiny of overseas students may only increase over the next few months given the $170 billion earmarked for US immigration enforcement, said Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder, Collegify.
More than 85% of student visa reviews usually get resolved without lasting impact, he said, adding, "Most students face only short-term procedural hurdles rather than long-term disruptions."
In such cases, students need to ensure their Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) status, paperwork and finances are up to date and they keep engaging with the universities, according to consultants.
"These cases are mostly politically or criminally or visa-term violations linked to students," said Rajneesh Pathak, CEO of GlobalNorth, an investment advisory firm.
Citing the case of a student whose SEVIS record was terminated for a case of driving under the influence, which was later settled, he said, "We advised him to stay put and not leave the country and seek legal help. His record was subsequently restored in about two weeks after a common case was filed. This phase is transitory like many others in the past." US universities, on their part, are offering deferrals, online study options and legal guidance to ensure continuity, said aspirants applying for intake in the next academic year.
Meanwhile, many Indians are now exploring alternative destinations such as the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and even Dubai, Singapore, Japan and parts of Europe.
"This is just to keep back-up options ready which provide more certainty and are not so expensive," said another expert.
According to Keshav Singhania, head private client, Singhania & Co, students from India, China and West Asia are now seeing more US visa approvals delayed, revoked or denied. "This will undoubtedly significantly influence the way Indian students approach their higher education plans," he said.
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