US may revoke your student visa for minor criminal offences now
The United States has recently begun revoking student visas, particularly for international students, including Indians, due to minor criminal offenses. These offenses include traffic violations, such as speeding or changing lanes improperly, as well as more serious charges like shoplifting and drunk driving, even if the cases were previously resolved.
Revocation Reasons: The revocations are based on past criminal charges, which can include minor infractions like traffic violations.
Impact on Students: Affected students are being told to leave the U.S. immediately, as their F-1 visas are no longer valid. This also invalidates their Form I-20 and Employment Authorization Documents (EAD).
Legal Perspective: Immigration lawyers note that such revocations for minor offenses are unusual and have rarely led to deportation in the past.
Affected Areas: The crackdown affects students across various states, including Missouri, Texas, and Nebraska.
This development follows earlier actions targeting students involved in alleged campus activism. The U.S. immigration system has become increasingly stringent, with even minor infractions potentially leading to severe consequences for international students.
Students facing visa revocation are advised to consult immigration lawyers, as some may still have a chance to reverse the decision. However, the process is complex, and the number of revocations is dynamic, with the State Department citing national security and foreign policy concerns as reasons for these actions.