Representative Image. / Pexels

Over the last several months, a disturbing trend has gained traction across the United States. International students, including those from India, are facing visa revocations, ICE detentions, and even deportations—often for reasons that appear administrative, minor, or unclear. While this story has not dominated headlines, its ripple effects are deeply felt on campuses and in communities coast to coast.

According to recent reports from the American Immigration Lawyers Association and Indian consular sources, at least 160 Indian students have been impacted by visa cancellations or abrupt deportation proceedings since late 2023. In total, 327 international students from 16 countries have been caught in this net of misguided White House policy. Indian nationals make up the largest group.

Many of these students were pursuing advanced degrees in STEM, contributing to labs, research teams, and university teaching. Most paid full tuition, followed the rules to the best of their ability, and had dreams of building careers in the U.S. or applying their skills back home. That dream of a U.S. degree is unraveling for far too many.

Caught in the Crosshairs

One such case is that of Krish Lal Isserdasani, a 21-year-old Indian student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Krish was arrested for a misdemeanor-level campus altercation but never charged. Yet, ICE moved to revoke his visa and deport him. A federal judge intervened, issuing a temporary stay and citing serious due process concerns. But the message to international students was chilling: even a minor incident can upend your entire future.

Similarly, Chinmay Deore, an Indian graduate student in Michigan, joined a federal lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, alleging that his F-1 visa was terminated without notice. His case is one of several filed by students from India and other countries who were told, suddenly and without cause, that they were "out of status."

Many of these students had no prior violations. Some were reportedly flagged by algorithmic systems scanning for “risk factors”—an increasingly opaque and troubling development in immigration enforcement.

Why This Should Concern Us All

For decades, Indian students have been the backbone of American higher education, particularly in STEM fields. In 2023, over 268,000 Indian students were enrolled in U.S. institutions, the largest international group by far. They contributed nearly $10 billion to the U.S. economy through tuition, housing, and living expenses.

But these students offer far more than economic value. They bring talent, discipline, and innovation. They help staff labs, lead student organizations, and bridge cultures. Many eventually stay on to contribute to America’s most innovative sectors—just look Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Sundar Pichai (Google), or Dr. Keshab Parhi, a global leader in VLSI engineering at the University of Minnesota.

These are not just names—they are proof that Indian students don’t just come to study; they come to make America great.
So when we begin targeting them, even unintentionally, we’re not only undermining individual dreams, we’re hurting President Trump’s MAGA and the long-term intellectual and economic future.

A Time for Action, Vigilance, and Support

As an Indian American deeply embedded in education, I urge students, families, and the wider community to act with clarity and care. The current and prospective Indian students in the U.S. should-

• Stay meticulously informed. Keep all immigration documents (I-20, SEVIS status, OPT/CPT paperwork, visa renewals) current. Don’t ignore even routine emails from your international office.
• Avoid legal entanglements. Even traffic violations, civil disputes with landlords, or housing code infractions can trigger scrutiny.
• Document everything. Save copies of university enrollment letters, academic records, proof of address, and any legal correspondence.
• Not do it alone. Build relationships with your university’s Designated School Official (DSO), and don’t hesitate to consult an immigration attorney if anything feels unclear.
• Avoid misinformation. YouTube, WhatsApp groups, and forums are not substitutes for legal or institutional guidance.

The Indian American community and leadership at large must amplify this issue. They should:

• Raise awareness through cultural organizations, professional networks, and local elected officials. 
• Urge universities to provide better legal resources for international students.
• Support calls for immigration policy reform that recognizes the humanity and value of students, not just their visa status.
• Host students, if necessary, and serve as local guardians, counselors, and guide them to deal with the uncertain times.

The Future Is Ours to Shape

If we stay silent, more young and talented people will be sent home in fear, their potential unfulfilled. But if we speak up, firmly, intelligently, and collectively, we can change the narrative. We can reaffirm that Indian students are neither illegal nor a problem to be managed; they are partners in shaping the future and making America great again.

Let’s make sure that Indian students know they are not alone.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)