US Visa Crackdown Threatens Pakistani Students' Future
Social media vetting sparks fears of deportation for Pakistani students.
Pakistani students and visa holders in the United States are grappling with heightened uncertainty as the Trump administration intensifies its scrutiny of social media for anti-American or extremist content, according to a report by Dawn on Saturday. The rigorous vetting process, aimed at identifying hostility toward US citizens, culture, government, or institutions, has raised alarms within the Pakistani community, with even minor infractions or political activities potentially jeopardizing visa status.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is now receiving reports of minor infractions, such as traffic violations, and activities like participation in campus protests, which could lead to visa revocation. In a recent incident in northern Virginia, a traffic court judge informed two Pakistani students that courts are now mandated to share records of traffic violations with DHS. “We were planning a road trip to Chicago, but we’ve been advised against it,” said Yunus Khan, a student from Baltimore, Maryland. “As visa holders, even a small mistake could lead to our visas being revoked.”
The Pakistani embassy in Washington is closely monitoring the situation and has urged students and visa holders to exercise caution, particularly in political activities. Participation in pro-Palestine protests has become a significant concern for many students. “Some of us joined those demonstrations, and now we’re worried about whether we can stay or face deportation,” said Samina Ali, another student from Baltimore. The fear of repercussions is also affecting students’ ability to work part-time jobs to support their education. Mohammad Sajid, a student at George Mason University, noted, “Balancing studies and part-time work has become stressful with this constant fear of scrutiny.”
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The Pakistani embassy estimates that between 700,000 and one million Pakistanis reside in the US, with most being citizens or long-term residents. However, the exact number remains uncertain due to unregistered individuals. In 2024, Pakistan sent 10,988 students to the US, compared to 17,099 from Bangladesh and 16,742 from Nepal, with India leading at 331,602. The embassy reports that the number of Pakistani students in the US has risen to approximately 12,500 in 2025.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has issued warnings to Pakistani visa holders, advising against international travel due to potential re-entry issues amid the looming threat of a new travel ban. Pakistani authorities are emphasizing the importance of maintaining updated legal documentation and staying informed about rights to navigate this challenging environment. As the situation unfolds, students are urged to avoid actions that could be misinterpreted as hostile, with the embassy continuing to advocate for their interests.
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