There’s growing fear among international students in the United States, including Nigerians, as the U.S. government abruptly cancels hundreds of student visas, leaving many in legal limbo.
In what appears to be an unprecedented crackdown, at least 901 students from 128 colleges have been affected, according to an investigation by the Associated Press. Advocacy groups believe the real number could be even higher.
“It started off as something we thought was rare,” said Matthew Maiona, a Boston-based immigration lawyer. “But now, it’s happening rapidly and unpredictably.”
Though students from India and China seem to make up the majority, experts say no country is being spared. Some of the affected students are reportedly being targeted for minor issues — even something as small as a traffic ticket.
Four students in Michigan have taken legal action against the U.S. government, claiming they were given no valid explanation for the sudden termination of their immigration status.
Similar cases are emerging across other states, and some judges in New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Montana have temporarily restored affected students’ legal standing.
What’s especially alarming is the method of notification — or the lack thereof. Universities are finding out about status terminations through government immigration databases before students are even informed.
This shift has left many stunned, especially those just weeks away from graduation or starting employment.
With no official response from either the U.S. State Department or Homeland Security, fear and uncertainty are spreading fast.
While some students are being advised to leave the country immediately, others are choosing to stay and fight their cases — desperate to avoid detention or deportation.
A Chinese Ph.D. student at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill captured the anxiety best: “It’s scary. You don’t know if you’ll be the next one.”
Many international students have now adopted new routines — carrying their immigration documents everywhere, staying alert, and preparing for the worst.
Do you know someone studying abroad in the U.S.? Share this article and help spread awareness. For more updates on international education and immigration, follow NIGPOST regularly.
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