In a troubling development for Indian students in the United States, dozens have been ordered to self-deport after their F-1 student visas were abruptly revoked due to minor criminal offences—many of which were previously resolved. The move follows an earlier wave of deportation emails linked to alleged campus activism, first reported in March, according to TOI.
This latest action, affecting students across universities in Missouri, Texas, and Nebraska, cites offences ranging from over-speeding and traffic violations to shoplifting and alcohol-related charges. Designated School Officials (DSOs) have sent emails informing students that their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records have been terminated, rendering their Form I-20, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and legal stay in the US invalid.
“If your visa has been revoked, this means that the F-1 visa in your passport is no longer valid. If you are in the US, you may need to make plans for immediate departure,” the email reads, reported TOI.
Immigration lawyers say such revocations for minor infractions are highly unusual. Texas-based attorney Chand Paravathneni, currently handling around 30 similar cases, said he has been overwhelmed with calls from Indian students. “We have hardly seen anyone’s SEVIS being revoked for petty offences like failing to stop at a red light or driving with a learner’s permit and no licensed driver in the car,” he said, according to TOI.
Several affected students claim their violations are old and already resolved through legal channels. One Hyderabad native, now in Omaha, said he was fined for over-speeding two years ago in New York but was never arrested. Another admitted to a drunk driving charge and complied with all court mandates, including installation of a car ignition lock and routine sobriety tests.
A student in Texas, who was arrested for shoplifting items worth $144 from Walmart, said the case was dismissed due to his clean academic record and cooperation. “I followed all instructions. Why am I being punished again?” he asked.
Experts warn that such infractions are taken seriously in the US, and students are usually briefed about them during orientation. Ravi Lothumalla, who runs US Admissions consultancy, said: “This is the first time we’re seeing SEVIS revoked for such offences. Many of these cases are over a year old and resolved. Students must consult immigration lawyers immediately—some may still be able to reverse the decision.”
This crackdown has added to the growing anxiety among Indian students already navigating a complex immigration system, where even minor mistakes may now have life-altering consequences.