Amid mounting concerns about student visa violations and a wave of deportations, the United States has issued a renewed warning to international students, including those from India, emphasizing the importance of adhering strictly to visa regulations.

The advisory comes in the wake of widespread anxiety sparked by a recent crackdown on non-compliant students, with Indian nationals — who make up the second-largest group of international students in the U.S. — being significantly affected.

In 2023, a total of 28 Indian students were deported from the United States, according to data from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The reasons for these deportations were not officially disclosed by U.S. authorities.

The advisory has been sent just days after the controversy involving the US government revoking Harvard University’s permission to admit international students that was swiftly overturned by the federal court.

In a statement released Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in India urged students enrolled in American institutions to remain vigilant about maintaining their visa status. “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 U.S. visas,” the embassy cautioned.

The embassy stressed the importance of maintaining student status and adhering to visa conditions at all times. “Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues,” it added.

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 U.S. visas. Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues. pic.twitter.com/34wJ7nkip0

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) May 27, 2025

In the recent past, the U.S. government has intensified its scrutiny of international students, leading to unexpected visa cancellations. These revocations have been attributed to a range of reasons — from participation in pro-Palestine demonstrations to relatively minor infractions such as traffic violations. Several students are now facing legal hurdles and there is growing uncertainty about their academic and immigration status.

This development comes amid a backdrop of tightened immigration enforcement and heightened political sensitivities on U.S. campuses. Recent events, including large-scale student protests related to the Israel-Palestine conflict and increased attention to visa compliance, have contributed to a more precarious environment for international students, particularly those from countries like India.

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