In a shocking move, U.S. immigration authorities have abruptly canceled the visas of several international students — including many from Pakistan — studying at some of the world’s most prestigious universities. The cancellations, which occurred without prior warning, have left students stranded, confused, and at risk of losing their academic standing.
Reports from students affected by the move indicate that their visas, previously approved under the F-1 student category, were suddenly marked as invalid when they attempted to re-enter the United States after short-term international travel. Others had their visas revoked while still in the U.S., with little to no explanation provided.
Among the affected are students enrolled at Ivy League schools, top public universities, and renowned STEM-focused institutions. Many of them had maintained spotless immigration records, full-time enrollment, and had complied with all academic and legal requirements.
“I was returning from a research conference abroad when I was denied boarding and told my visa had been revoked,” said Ali Raza, a Pakistani PhD candidate at MIT. “There was no email, no letter, no call. Just silence — until I was blocked from returning to my studies.”
The U.S. State Department has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, fueling speculation that the cancellations may be tied to broader security or diplomatic concerns. However, critics say that punishing high-achieving students without transparency undermines the U.S.’s reputation as a global leader in education and research.
Immigration advocates and university officials are now urgently calling on the Biden administration to review the cancellations and restore the affected students’ rights.
“It’s unacceptable and damaging to the very values the U.S. claims to uphold,” said one international student adviser at a leading American university. “These students are not a threat — they are the future.”
Pakistani officials have also reportedly contacted U.S. authorities to seek clarification and assistance for their students caught in the ordeal.
