An NBC report darted 10 April stated, “As of Wednesday, authorities had revoked the visas of international students in at least 29 states — with officials largely citing a seldom-used 1952 foreign policy statute to take aim at their activism… Attorneys and advocates say it seems as though people who have protested in support of Palestinians, those with previous arrests and those with certain political social media posts are the likeliest to have been swept up… They come after the small and the weak — people who don’t have as many resources to defend themselves.”
Most of the students targeted are studying under the F-1 and J-1 visas. The F-1 visa allows foreigners to enter the United States as full-time students of accredited educational institutions. And to qualify for those visas, people must meet certain criteria, including approval from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), proficiency in English or enrolment in courses that lead to English proficiency, and sufficient funds to support themselves during their entire course of study.
The J-1 visa, available to students, teachers, researchers and other specialists, allows people to participate in approved programmes for studying, conducting research, receiving training or demonstrating special skills. And once their programmes are complete, they are required to return to their countries within 30 days.
