A new report by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has expressed concern over the increasing cases of the cancellation of international students in the US. According to the report, Indian students are the most affected in these cases with about 50% stake.
50 percent of Indian citizens among affected people
According to AILA report released on April 17, a total of 327 cases have been reported, in which the Visa was canceled or the students’ SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records were closed. These figures are based on the information given by students, lawyers and university employees. In these 327 cases, about half of the Indian citizens are, while 14% of the students are Chinese. Apart from this, students from South Korea, Nepal and Bangladesh have also been affected.
Visa canceled due to small police encounters
The report states that due to the cancellation of the visa, the most damage has been done to those students who are on OPT (Optional Practical Training). They cannot continue work due to the closure of SEVIS records. The situation is a bit easy for students who are still studying, but it becomes difficult for the students who have done graduation to restore the situation.
The reasons that have come out in these cases are surprising. Students’ visas were canceled after small police encounters, such as a fine for parking fine or speeding. In most of these cases, the students were not accused or the matter was abolished. In only two cases, political activities have come to light.
Most foreign students Indians in America
Currently, India is at the top of the number of foreign students in the US. 3.32 lakh Indian students are studying in America in 2023-24 academic year. Of these, about 97,556 students (29%) are under the OPT program, which allows them to work temporarily in the US.
According to Aila’s report, the reasons behind the SEVIS record finishing and canceling the visa are irregular and inconsistent, making it a worrying trend. Many students are facing legal and educational crisis without warning.