Hundreds of international students in the United States, including Nigerians, are now living in fear and uncertainty after their visas were suddenly cancelled and their legal status terminated by U.S. immigration authorities. The abrupt move, which has affected students from over 128 colleges and universities across the U.S., has sparked widespread confusion, panic, and legal battles across the country.
According to a review by the Associated Press, at least 901 students have already been affected, with advocacy groups warning that the true number could be even higher. While many of those impacted are from India and China, immigration lawyers say students from all regions, including Nigeria and other African countries, are caught up in the crackdown.
Matthew Maiona, an immigration lawyer based in Boston, described the situation as unprecedented. “We thought it was unusual at first,” he said. “Now it’s coming fast and furious.”
Students say they are being targeted over what seem to be minor issues, including traffic violations, small administrative errors, or simply due to unclear reasons. In some cases, the affected students were not even informed directly about the visa cancellations. Instead, their universities discovered the terminations through the U.S. government’s immigration database — often before the students themselves were notified.
This marks a major shift from the usual procedure, where students would typically receive a warning or explanation before losing their status.
So far, four students in Michigan have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, arguing that their legal status was revoked without proper explanation or due process. Similar lawsuits are being filed across the country. In some cases, judges in states like New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Montana have stepped in to temporarily restore the students’ legal status.
Despite the rising number of affected students and legal cases, both the U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security have remained silent. No official explanation has been provided, adding to the confusion and fear many students are experiencing.
For students who are close to graduation or about to start jobs, the cancellations have thrown their lives into chaos. Some are now being advised to leave the country immediately to avoid the risk of detention or deportation. Others are staying behind, hoping that legal appeals might help them regain their status and continue their education or careers.
The uncertainty has led many students to change their daily routines. Some now carry their immigration documents with them everywhere. Others are staying away from public places and avoiding unnecessary travel.
“It’s scary,” said a Chinese Ph.D. student at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. “You don’t know if you’ll be the next one.”
While detailed country-by-country data is yet to be released, Nigerian students are confirmed to be among those whose visas have been cancelled. Nigeria has consistently ranked among the top African countries sending students to U.S. universities. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), over 14,000 Nigerian students were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities as of 2023.
For many Nigerian students and their families, studying in the U.S. represents a major financial and personal commitment, often involving years of savings, loans, and sacrifices. The sudden loss of legal status is not only heartbreaking but could also lead to serious consequences, including a permanent ban from re-entering the U.S.
“This is very disturbing,” said an education consultant in Lagos who helps students apply to U.S. schools. “Many of these students followed all the rules, paid their fees, and just want to complete their studies. Now they are being treated like criminals.”
The development comes at a time when the U.S. immigration system is facing increased scrutiny under the current administration. Some observers believe the sudden visa cancellations could be part of a wider effort to tighten immigration rules and reduce the number of foreign students in the country.
Critics argue that such policies could harm the U.S. education sector, which relies heavily on international students for both talent and revenue. According to data from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, foreign students contributed over $38 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022 alone.
“These students are not just numbers. They are future doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs,” said a university official in New York. “Sending them home without explanation is not just unfair — it’s also short-sighted.”
For now, many students are left in legal limbo, unsure whether they will be allowed to complete their education or even remain in the country. Immigration lawyers are advising affected students to stay informed, keep all documents handy, and seek legal help immediately if they receive any notice or update from the government.
Universities are also scrambling to provide support. Some institutions have set up emergency legal aid services and are working with immigration attorneys to help students file appeals.
In Nigeria, families of affected students are anxiously waiting for more information. For many, the U.S. remains a top destination for higher education — but stories like these are beginning to cast doubt on the safety and stability of that dream.
As the legal battles continue and more students come forward with their stories, pressure is mounting on U.S. authorities to explain the sudden policy change and offer clarity to the thousands of students now trapped in uncertainty.
