Purdue Students Face Visa Revocations Amid National Crackdown on International Students

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a campaign against Illinois‘ migrant sanctuary policies, pressing a federal district judge to deny a motion aimed at dismissing their challenge. Meanwhile, Purdue University is grappling with the ramifications of a federal crackdown resulting in visa revocations for some international students, according to multiple sources at the university.

In recent weeks, several Purdue international students have reportedly had their student visas revoked as part of a broader nationwide enforcement effort. A source affiliated with Purdue’s cultural centers, who requested anonymity due to fear of retribution, disclosed this information, stating that the administration had circulated a list of affected students. Reasons for revocation were said to be trivial in some cases, including minor infractions like speeding tickets.

Carina Olaru, director of Purdue’s Latino Cultural Center, indicated that her center had not received such a list and could not confirm its accuracy regarding the other centers. University spokesperson Trevor Peters refrained from confirming any specific visa losses, but stated that Purdue is providing resources to any affected students. “As is the case with universities across the country, Purdue has been in contact with any individual who has been impacted by a change in their visa status,” Peters said.

This wave of visa revocations appears linked to federal efforts targeting international students accused of crimes or pro-Palestinian activism, with reports indicating that 41 universities across 24 states have seen similar actions against students. Earlier reports from the Indiana Daily Student noted a small number of visa losses at Indiana University as well.

The revocation of visas follows an executive order signed in January by then-President Donald Trump, aimed at deporting students identified as “pro-jihadist.” However, some affected students at Purdue had no involvement in protests. One anonymous student who received a visa revocation notice explained, “The email just said that your visa has been revoked and the next steps on how you can leave the country.” They expressed concern about the lack of reasoning provided for the revocation.

This particular student was subject to a minor legal charge for possession of alcohol and speeding, despite not being intoxicated while driving. Purdue’s International Students and Scholars office confirmed that this charge was the cited reason for the visa revocation.

Critics of the administration’s approach argue that the response to such minor infractions is disproportionate. “I do not believe the proportion makes sense. For what I did, and the punishment I am receiving, it’s nowhere remotely close,” they said.

Although the U.S. State Department holds the authority to cancel visas, a revocation does not instantly terminate a person’s legal status, complicating the immediate deportation process for students who contest their status. Federal officials have not disclosed the total number of revoked visas or specific reasons, but estimates suggest that nearly 300 students have faced such actions recently.

Chris Daley, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, condemned the curtailing of rights for international students. “It is clear that the Trump administration is trying to silence dissent and opposition in any way it can,” Daley stated. He cautioned that targeting students could extend beyond this specific group if left unchecked.

As the unnamed student prepared to leave the United States, they expressed fear about the implications of visa revocations for minor legal issues. “Obviously, it scares me; even a minor mistake could lead to something so large,” the student said. “It shouldn’t be like this, but I guess that’s just the way it is at the moment.” Daley added that the federal government may escalate its targeting beyond international students.