At least 1,024 international students at US colleges, universities and university systems have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since late March, according to a review of university statements and correspondence with school officials by The Associated Press.

The administration of US President Donald Trump said it should be allowed to deport noncitizens over involvement in pro-Palestinian activism. But in the vast majority of visa revocations, colleges have said there is no indication affected students had a role in protests.

The United States issues the bulk of its foreign skilled worker visas (H-1B) to students from India, many of whom are drawn to the US because of OPT (Optional Practical Training) programs in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). OPTs allow graduates to remain in the US for an additional two years after completing their studies.

One Indian student on a STEM OPT, who was recently approved for an H-1B visa, told DW he was arrested "while helping out an injured friend because he could not drive."

He explained that he was charged with driving under the influence in January, but pointed out that he was not convicted. After searching for a job for more than two years, he finally received an offer letter, but lost it because his visa had been revoked.

"I took out a massive loan to study in the US which I still have to repay. I worked hard for four years and I am at a stage of settling down. If I lose all of this over a mistake, then what is the point?" he said. "What am I supposed to tell my aging parents back home?"

The........

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