Trump Govt’s visa crackdown sparks concern for 5.2 million Indians in U.S
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, August 22, 2025:The Trump administration has initiated one of its strictest immigration reviews to date, with the U.S. State Department confirming continuous monitoring of over 55 million foreign nationals holding valid visas. The move aims to identify violations of immigration rules, cancel visas, and deport those found ineligible.
This decision has raised concern for the nearly 5.2 million Indians living in the U.S., many of whom hold non-immigrant visas. So far in 2025, 1,703 Indian nationals have already been deported, and around 18,000 undocumented Indians have been identified for removal.
Who is at risk?
According to U.S. officials, visas may be revoked in cases involving:
- Criminal activity in the U.S. or abroad
- Overstaying the permitted visa period
- Links to terrorism or extremist groups
- Participation in anti-U.S. activities or protests
- Social media activity deemed suspicious
The review covers not just new applicants but also existing visa holders, including students, tourists, and temporary workers.
Indians form the second-largest Asian-origin community in the U.S., making up about 21% of the Asian American population. Their numbers have grown 174% since 2000, with large communities in California (960,000), Texas (570,000), and New Jersey (440,000).
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has specifically targeted foreign students participating in anti-Israel protests. Since January, more than 6,000 visas have been cancelled. However, courts have intervened in some high-profile cases, ordering the release of students facing deportation, highlighting the legal hurdles the administration may encounter.