US Visa Cancellations Leave Hundreds of Indian Students in Limbo: OPT Holders Hit Hardest

US Visa Cancellation: Hundreds of Indian students in the US face sudden visa cancellations, with OPT holders most affected. Experts raise concerns over arbitrary enforcement and AI-driven targeting.

OPT visa cancellation: In a deeply unsettling development, nearly 1,000 international students—a significant number of them Indian—have had their US visas revoked or immigration status terminated since late March 2025, sparking panic and confusion among the student community. A report by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has revealed that Indian students represent nearly 50% of the 327 F-1 visa revocations, prompting urgent diplomatic and legal scrutiny.

Visa Cancellations Leave Indian Students Stunned

Indian nationals, who form the largest foreign student group in the US (over 3.31 lakh in 2023–24), have been disproportionately affected. AILA’s April 17 policy brief, titled “The Scope of Immigration Enforcement Actions Against International Students,” has exposed not only the inconsistencies in the reasons for revocations but also suggested an alarming trend in how these decisions are being made.

OPT Students Suffer the Most

The report identifies that nearly 65% of the affected Indian students were on OPT (Optional Practical Training) — a program that allows international students to gain practical work experience post-graduation. With 97,556 Indian students enrolled in OPT programs as of last year, the implications are widespread.

Restoring status for these students is particularly complex. As the report notes, “those on OPT cannot legally work once their SEVIS record is terminated,” leading many to abruptly lose both their legal stay and employment opportunities.

Minor Offenses, Major Penalties

Shockingly, many of the students caught in this dragnet were penalized for minor infractions:

• 23% were ticketed for misdemeanors such as speeding, driving without a license, or shoplifting at self-checkout kiosks.
• 34% of these students were never charged or had their charges dismissed.
• 87% had some form of interaction with law enforcement, whether or not it resulted in prosecution.

In one troubling case, a student nurse was reportedly arrested while attempting to make way for what she thought was an emergency vehicle—only to find out she was unintentionally evading police.

AI Surveillance and “Catch and Revoke”

The most controversial element of the report revolves around a new enforcement initiative allegedly launched by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, known as the “Catch and Revoke” program. This policy reportedly leverages AI and social media monitoring to screen students—possibly flagging those with political opinions or activist behavior.

AILA and human rights experts have criticized this approach as being ripe for racial profiling, algorithmic bias, and the erosion of civil liberties.

Universities, SEVIS, and ICE: Who’s Behind It?

While many believe these decisions are coming directly from immigration officials, AILA’s findings show that 83% of SEVIS terminations were initiated by universities themselves, not by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This adds another layer of confusion, with some institutions possibly erring on the side of caution without fully understanding the consequences for international students.

India Responds: MEA Steps In

Back home, the issue has gained traction at the highest levels. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the actions “unclear and incoherent” and urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to intervene.

A press statement issued yesterday by the American Immigration Lawyers Association is cause for concern to us in India.

Out of the 327 visa revocation cases of international students collected by the organisation so far, 50% are Indians. The reasons for revocation are random… pic.twitter.com/dZfKJdiirR

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 18, 2025

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on Thursday that the government is monitoring the situation. “Our embassy and consulates are in touch with affected students to offer necessary assistance,” he stated during a press briefing.

Long-Term Implications for Indian Students

With over 11.26 lakh international students currently studying in the US, including 3.31 lakh Indians, the crackdown could have a chilling effect on future enrollments. Education consultants warn of a dip in trust and increased anxiety among Indian students considering US education or work opportunities through OPT and H-1B visas.

Immigration lawyers have urged the US government to revise its approach, calling for greater transparency, due process, and fair treatment for students who often invest heavily—emotionally and financially—in their American dream.

As the situation unfolds, students, universities, and legal experts are closely watching how both the US and Indian governments respond. For now, the message is clear: Indian students in the US must remain vigilant, legally informed, and prepared for sudden changes in immigration policy and enforcement.