Over 450 International Students, Including Pakistanis, Face Visa Cancellations in the US
Pakistani Students Decry Visa Cancellations as Attack on Academic Freedom
WASHINGTON – At least 450 international students, including several Pakistani scholars, are facing sudden visa cancellations in the United States, raising serious concerns among those who came to the country to pursue their studies.
The cancellations have affected students enrolled in prestigious universities like Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, and the University of Michigan, with many Pakistani students reportedly hit the hardest. These visa revocations were carried out without prior notice or legal proceedings, sparking allegations of discrimination and arbitrary actions.
Some sources suggest that the cancellations are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration, with reports indicating that students who participated in protests advocating for Palestinian rights may be particularly targeted. However, several students who did not engage in such protests also had their visas revoked, prompting concerns over the fairness of the process.
Pakistani student organizations have expressed shock and frustration, describing the actions as an infringement on academic freedom. Experts highlight that the visa cancellations followed a routine audit of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), leaving affected students with few options to contest the decisions.
In response, educational institutions have begun offering legal assistance to help the impacted students, though uncertainty about their futures in the US persists. Many Pakistani students have contacted their respective embassies seeking support, while student groups continue to raise alarms about the potential long-term consequences for international students in the country.
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The abrupt visa revocations have sparked a larger debate about the treatment of international students, with critics accusing the Trump administration of disproportionately targeting students with specific political and social views.
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