U.S. Cancels Visas of 1,500 Students Over Pro-Palestine Protests

U.S. immigration authorities have so far canceled the visas of approximately 1,500 students. According to Gulf media, most of these cancellations targeted students who participated in pro-Palestine protests.

Media reports also state that visas were revoked for individuals who were indirectly in contact with Palestine or who expressed support for Palestine on social media.

Abdullah Shahid Sial, Co-President of the Harvard Undergraduate Association, told Geo News that while details remain unclear, it has been confirmed so far that the visas of 12 students and 3 graduates have been canceled. Their nationalities have not yet been determined, but given the current situation, Pakistani students are also likely to be affected by the U.S. administration’s decisions. To avoid visa cancellations, he suggested reducing digital contributions (likely referring to online activity/posts).

The U.S. government has alleged that the students promoted anti-Semitism and expressed support for Hamas on campus.

On the other hand, students, lawyers, and social activists have rejected the U.S. claims.