A growing number of international students, including Nigerians, are facing unexpected visa cancellations and the termination of their legal status in the United States, creating widespread alarm across college campuses.
Boston-based immigration lawyer Matthew Maiona noted that what initially seemed like isolated cases has escalated rapidly. “It’s now happening at a fast and alarming pace,” he said.
According to an investigation by the Associated Press, over 900 students from 128 institutions have been affected so far, though advocacy groups believe the actual figure could be higher. While students from India and China form a significant portion, legal experts emphasize that the issue appears to be widespread, impacting individuals from various regions.
In some instances, students were penalized over minor infractions such as traffic violations.
Four students in Michigan have already taken legal action against the U.S. government, alleging that their visas were revoked without any clear justification.
Similar lawsuits have emerged across the country, with courts in states like New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Montana temporarily restoring legal status for some students.
Unlike previous practices where universities were directly notified, schools are now learning about visa terminations by accessing the government’s immigration database—often before students themselves are informed. This abrupt change has added to the confusion and distress.
With many students nearing graduation or preparing to begin employment, the sudden crackdown has thrown their futures into uncertainty.
The lack of public statements from the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security has further deepened anxiety among those affected.
Some students have been advised to leave the U.S., while others are choosing to remain and fight their cases in court, hoping to avoid detention or deportation.
A Chinese doctoral student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill expressed the growing unease: “It’s frightening. No one knows who’s next.”
Amid the legal uncertainty, many international students are taking precautions — carrying immigration documents at all times and avoiding unnecessary travel — as they brace for what lies ahead.
