US Revokes Student Visas; Prompts MEA Appeal

New Delhi: A wave of distress has engulfed the Indian student community in the United States as hundreds of visas have reportedly been revoked without prior notice or clear explanation. The situation has sparked urgent calls for diplomatic action, with Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas formally requesting External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar to intervene on behalf of the affected students.

In a strongly worded letter dated April 19, Brittas detailed the growing number of Indian students who have faced abrupt visa cancellations, many of whom had already begun their academic programs. According to media reports cited in the letter, revocations were issued for reasons that many consider minor or unjustified—such as routine traffic infractions, minor documentation errors, or even academic lapses that lacked due process.

Some students were reportedly penalised for actions like slightly exceeding speed limits, parking violations, or failing to scan items correctly at store self-checkouts. Others faced repercussions for social media posts or journalistic writings on sensitive topics, including the Palestinian conflict. In many cases, no formal charges were filed, and individuals were either cleared of wrongdoing or never brought before legal authorities.

The MP also expressed concern over reports that some students were pressured into signing voluntary departure agreements under duress and warned against raising objections, effectively silencing them through intimidation. He condemned the visa actions as lacking in procedural fairness and transparency, calling them "opaque and arbitrary."

Brittas urged the Indian government to engage with US authorities at the highest level to demand clarity, reversal of unfair visa cancellations, and fair treatment for Indian students. He also called for Indian missions in the US to extend legal and consular support, including representation and welfare assistance.

With growing alarm over the academic, financial, and emotional toll on students and their families, the issue is quickly emerging as a major diplomatic concern, putting the spotlight on Indo- US relations and the treatment of international students in America.The Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue an official response to the letter.