US’s big warning to Indian, foreign students

The United States on Tuesday warned Indian and other foreign students against skipping classes or leaving their programs amid the ongoing mass deportation row, stating that the students might risk losing their visas or may not be able to apply for any future US visa.

“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 US visas. Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues,” read the US Embassy in India’s official statement.

The US government has intensified its crackdown on international students by revoking visas without prior notice. From pro-Palestine protests to traffic violations, the reasons have varied case by case, often plunging students into a legal quagmire and widespread confusion.

In many cases, neither the students nor the universities are aware that the record of a student is removed from the SEVIS system — a web-based platform maintained by the Department of Homeland Security for tracking and managing information on international students.