A surge in student visa cancellations has rattled the international student community across the United States, with Texas emerging as the most heavily impacted state.
Reports indicate that more than 122 international students have either had their visas revoked or seen their immigration status terminated via the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), putting their legal presence in the country at risk.
While authorities have not provided a formal explanation, immigration analysts believe this development could be tied to stricter immigration enforcement, heightened scrutiny of online activity, and politically driven decisions.
Data shows several Texas universities have been affected, including:
- University of North Texas (UNT): 27 students
- University of Texas at Arlington: 27 students
- Texas A&M University: 23 students
- University of Texas at Dallas: 19 students
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: 9 students
- Texas Woman’s University: 4 students
- Texas Tech University: 3 students
- University of Texas at El Paso: 10 students
Other institutions like the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston also confirmed changes to the immigration status of some students, though specific figures have not been made public.
A vice chairman from the faculty senate at UNT stated that initially 16 students had their SEVIS records terminated, a number that later rose to 27. Most of the affected individuals are graduate-level students, and university administrators say they are actively offering support and communication.
In a recent policy announcement, the Department of Homeland Security revealed plans to monitor international students’ social media for content deemed “antisemitic.” This announcement comes in the wake of two executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, which signaled tougher action in response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations on university campuses—many of which occurred in Texas.
Dallas-based immigration lawyer Naim Sukhia criticized the SEVIS terminations, stating, “This strips students of their right to due process and pushes them out of the immigration system without proper justification.” He added that the termination of SEVIS status not only disrupts academic futures but also endangers the legal residency of dependents like spouses and children.
Affected students now face limited options: either leave the country or pursue a reinstatement request, which Sukhia described as a “complex, uncertain, and time-consuming process.” Nonetheless, he advised students to immediately contact their Designated School Officials (DSOs) and begin exploring legal remedies.
US media reports suggest that many of the affected students come from South Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
Several students, along with advocacy organizations, are now considering legal challenges against the government’s decision. At the same time, a growing social media campaign under the banner “Save Texas Students” is calling for accountability and support for international learners.
A representative from the University of Texas at Dallas stated that the institution is “closely working with affected students to help navigate this evolving situation.”
The University of North Texas confirmed that 19 out of the 27 impacted students are pursuing graduate studies and are considered essential members of its international academic network.
As a major hub for international education, Texas now finds itself at the center of a crisis that could deter prospective students from around the world. Immigration attorneys are urging affected individuals to seek professional legal guidance without delay to preserve their rights and explore possible solutions.
