US State Department revokes visas of 40 Northeastern students and graduates amid growing immigration scrutiny

The US State Department has revoked the visas of 40 individuals affiliated with Northeastern University, including 18 current students and 22 alumni, according to Northeastern Vice President for Communications Renata Nyul. The information was first reported by The Huntington News, an independent student-run and operated newspaper of Northeastern University.

The visa actions come amid increased immigration scrutiny. Northeastern, which has more than 24,000 international students and graduates across ten US campuses, updated its public guidance on April 6. The university advised affected individuals to carry proof of identity and lawful presence and to remain alert to scams targeting international students and scholars.

“There is no evidence that a Northeastern student or recent graduate had their status revoked in relation to political advocacy or speech,” the university stated in its “Navigating a New Political Landscape” FAQ page, as cited by The Huntington News.

As of April 7, universities across the Boston area reported 23 additional visa revocations. These include students and alumni from Harvard University, University of Massachusetts Amherst and Boston, and Berklee College of Music.

Nyul declined to provide an exact number of affected individuals, citing ongoing developments. “We are not providing a specific number due to the fluidity of the situation,” she said in a statement to The Huntington News.

A US State Department spokesperson told The Boston Globe, “The United States has zero tolerance for non-citizens who violate US laws. Those who break the law, including students, may face visa refusal, visa revocation, and/or deportation.”

While visa revocations have traditionally been rare and typically tied to criminal charges or arrests, Northeastern’s Office of Global Services noted that “recent actions suggest a broader approach by the US government.” In March, the university had already warned international students against travel following an executive order that restricted entry from 43 countries flagged as “of particular concern.”

Northeastern has the second-highest international student enrollment in the US, with 21,023 students reported during the 2023–24 academic year, according to the Institute of International Education.

According to The Huntington News, visa revocations have affected students engaged in varying activities — from pro-Palestinian demonstrations to minor offenses such as traffic violations. On March 25, a doctoral student at Tufts University was taken into custody by immigration officers without prior notification of her visa status. The incident triggered large-scale protests, with more than 2,000 participants rallying the following day.

On April 5, thousands took part in the “Hands Off” protests across the country, including a major demonstration at Boston Common.

Northeastern advised those with questions about university-sponsored employment visas to consult the Office of General Counsel, and recommended independent visa holders seek legal counsel. The Global Safety Operations Center has also activated a 24/7 hotline for those facing immigration enforcement on campus.