US Cancels Dozens Of International Students’ Visas Over Speeding Ticket, Other “Offences” Amid Crackdown On Universities

Nearly 40 international students across the United States have had their visas abruptly revoked by the U.S. government, following what experts and advocates describe as a sweeping, opaque crackdown rooted in minor infractions such as traffic violations.

The move, widely seen as part of a broader campaign by the Donald Trump-led administration to tighten control over universities and immigration, has left students stunned, fearful, and uncertain about their futures.

Among those affected is Lisa, a University of Wisconsin, Madison, just one month from graduation, who discovered her legal status was revoked via an unexpected email, The Guardian UK reports.

“ISS is writing to inform you that your SEVIS record was terminated,” the email read, referring to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.

Initially dismissing the email as a phishing attempt, Lisa would soon learn—through social media and student forums—that she had become one of dozens of international students suddenly categorized as “out of status.”

The reason: a minor traffic incident from the previous year, in which she received two citations and was fingerprinted during court processing.

Once a SEVIS record is terminated, students are required to leave the U.S. within a narrow grace period, typically 15 days. Remaining beyond that window risks deportation and long-term visa bans.

Similar cases have emerged at universities nationwide, including Stanford, UCLA, UC San Diego, Ohio State, and the University of Oregon, according to The Guardian UK.

Many students shared eerily similar stories: minor infractions, court appearances involving fingerprinting, and no prior indication that their records would trigger immigration enforcement.

An online spreadsheet compiled by affected students reportedly showed reports from more than 50 institutions.

Despite the non-criminal nature of many infractions—such as expired licenses or dismissed charges—students were flagged as having “criminal records” in SEVIS termination notices.

The timing of the terminations—most dated April 4—coincides with a high-profile statement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 27, in which he announced the revocation of hundreds of student visas.

“Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visas,” Rubio said, framing the move as a national security initiative.

But immigration lawyers say there’s little precedent for the scale and method of this sweep.

“Students weren’t given any chance to explain their situation,” said Shenqi Cai, managing attorney at Lashine Law in California.

“They were terminated under one broad directive, seemingly triggered by automated screenings that don’t account for state-by-state differences in legal definitions.”

Cai noted that around 90% of the students she’s spoken to had been fingerprinted during past encounters with law enforcement, even if the underlying charges were dropped or minor.

“Fingerprinting alone should not equate to a criminal record,” she said.

The consequences for students go far beyond paperwork.

David, a Chinese national working under Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing his degree, lost his legal right to work overnight.

His company is now attempting to relocate him to Canada, but with just 15 days to leave the U.S., options are limited.

Another student, Bill, had been cited for driving with an expired license—a case still pending in court.

He now finds himself in a legal limbo: required to appear in court, but at risk of detention if he stays.

For many, the only support offered by universities has been referrals to immigration attorneys, often at discounted but still costly rates.

“The dust of history falls on me, and it becomes a mountain,” Bill said.

As panic spread across campuses, more than 300 students joined an emergency Zoom session with federal immigration litigator Brad Banias.

“It’s not a legal move, it’s a political one,” he told attendees. “They’re criminalizing parking tickets.”

Lisa, meanwhile, finds her future in jeopardy. Her graduation, job offer, and graduate school admission are all now uncertain.

“Worst case, I don’t graduate. I go home and start college again. Four more years. And then what?”

The sudden crackdown has raised alarm not only for its impact on individuals, but for what it signals about the Trump administration’s intensifying scrutiny of higher education and immigration. Advocates warn that this could be just the beginning.

“This isn’t just about students,” said Banias. “It’s about the message the government is sending: that no