India Tribune Newsdesk

Washington DC: The U.S. Department of State has issued a firm advisory to international students—particularly those from India—emphasizing that any violation of American law can result in severe repercussions, including visa revocation and deportation.

Margaret MacLeod, spokesperson for the State Department, stated that the current U.S. administration is rigorously enforcing immigration policies under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Alien Registration Act, according to a report.

This warning comes amid reports that a growing number of Indian students have had their F-1 student visas revoked—some allegedly due to their involvement in minor legal violations.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has responded to the issue, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirming that the Indian government is in contact with the affected students and is providing consular assistance through its embassy and consulates across the U.S.

While MacLeod declined to address individual cases, she reiterated the importance of full compliance with all U.S. laws and visa regulations. She also urged individuals living in the country unlawfully—including family members of Indian nationals—to return voluntarily, noting that this route may avoid harsher penalties in the future.

“There’s still an opportunity to return voluntarily,” MacLeod said, referencing resources like the Department of Homeland Security and the CBP One app for assistance with departure processes.

Even as enforcement tightens, Indian student enrollment in the U.S. continues to climb. Over 330,000 Indian students were enrolled in American universities during the 2023–24 academic year—a 23% rise from the previous year—making India the top source of international students in the U.S.

However, in February 2025—the first full month of President Trump’s return to office—student visa approvals for Indian applicants reportedly dropped by 30%.