Washington, D.C. – In a stern warning to international students, including thousands from India, the United States on Tuesday cautioned against skipping classes, dropping out, or leaving academic programs without notifying their institutions. The advisory comes amid growing concerns over sudden visa revocations and mass deportation fears.
“If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future US visas,” the US Embassy in India said in an official statement. “Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues.”
The statement follows a wave of reports where international students have allegedly had their visas canceled without warning. While some cases are linked to traffic violations and campus protests — particularly around pro-Palestinian demonstrations — others have involved students unknowingly falling out of compliance due to administrative errors or lack of communication between schools and immigration authorities.
In many instances, students and even university officials were unaware that a student’s SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record had been deactivated. The SEVIS platform, managed by the Department of Homeland Security, is used to monitor the status and activity of international students.
The uncertainty has created widespread panic, especially among Indian students who form one of the largest groups of foreign students in the US.
OPT and STEM OPT Programs at Risk
Adding to student anxiety is a legislative push to dismantle the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT programs. These allow international students to work in the US temporarily after graduation and are often considered vital stepping stones to long-term career and residency opportunities.
The “Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025,” currently under review in Congress, seeks to eliminate these programs. President Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Joseph Edlow, has openly supported ending OPT and STEM OPT, claiming they displace American workers.
If passed, the bill could jeopardize the post-graduation plans of hundreds of thousands of foreign students, further escalating the immigration and visa crisis.
What Students Can Do
The US Embassy has urged all international students to strictly follow the conditions of their student visas. Students are advised to:
- Attend all classes regularly
- Inform their designated school official (DSO) of any changes in academic status
- Avoid any actions that might violate visa terms
- Consult immigration advisors before taking leaves or withdrawing from programs
Failure to comply could result in immediate visa termination, deportation, and ineligibility for reentry or future visas.
As tensions mount, students, families, and universities alike are calling for greater transparency and communication from both US immigration authorities and educational institutions.
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By Navneet Chakor
Published on May 27, 2025 (USA Time)
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