The administration has increased scrutiny of international students involved in campus activism, especially protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, which are accused of having antisemitic tones.

Since January 2025, the Trump administration has revoked over 6,000 student visas, with the majority due to legal violations and a significant portion linked to terrorism or national security concerns.

Critics argue that these measures threaten free speech rights and are politically motivated, targeting students involved in protests or expressing opinions critical of U.S. foreign policy.

Many visa revocations are based on violations of U.S. laws, activities threatening national security, or terrorism, with 200-300 cases specifically linked to terrorism.

This visa crackdown is part of a broader effort to align student and university visa policies with national security interests, leading to conflicts with institutions suspected of undermining U.S. foreign policy.

As a result, experts forecast a 30-40% decline in new international student enrollment for fall 2025, potentially causing a $7 billion economic loss and over 60,000 jobs, with up to 150,000 fewer students arriving.

President Trump has clashed with universities like Harvard over alleged antisemitism, taking actions such as freezing research funds and threatening tax status changes.

Efforts continue to deport individuals like Mahmoud Khalil, despite court rulings in their favor, and there are attempts to pressure universities such as Harvard to comply with political demands to admit international students.

In fiscal year 2024, around 400,000 F1 visas were issued, but stricter vetting and suspension of appointments have led to a sharp decline, with an estimated 30-40% drop in new international student enrollment for 2025.

U.S. diplomats abroad have been instructed to scrutinize visa applicants with a history of political activism or hostility towards the U.S., especially related to the Gaza conflict.

These measures follow heightened security protocols introduced after President Trump’s executive orders aimed at vetting immigrants for security threats.

High-profile cases include the detention and subsequent release of Tufts PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk, whose visa was canceled amid increased enforcement.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has justified visa revocations by stating they are necessary to prevent activities opposing U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Israel and Palestine.