Recently, a California-based AI PhD student faced the imminent loss of his legal status in the US after his student visa was revoked. Having studied in the US for nearly a decade without any criminal record, he suspects this incident may be linked to a police interaction years ago. His plans to pursue further studies in AI after graduation have been abruptly disrupted.
This case is not isolated. Recently, mass visa revocations for international students across US universities have become increasingly common. This affects students at both Ivy League institutions and smaller colleges. Professors warn that if this continues, US AI research could face a setback of several years, with the loss of top talent further deteriorating the academic environment.
Reports indicate that under the Trump administration's stricter policies, the US Department of State and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have terminated the SEVIS records of over 1000 international students. This record, maintained by the Department of Homeland Security, tracks international students holding F, M, and J visas. Termination of SEVIS records immediately invalidates a student's legal status, requiring them to leave the US within a grace period or take steps to reinstate their status, or face deportation.
In response, many international students have staged protests, demanding attention and improvements to the visa revocation policies. Significantly, many students receive no prior notice of their visa revocation, leaving them unprepared. In some cases, revocations may stem from simple administrative errors or minor traffic violations.
Immigration lawyers point out that the government uses AI in screening visa holders, and the lack of human oversight leads to frequent errors. The impact of this policy extends beyond individual hardship; it further weakens America's global competitiveness in AI research.
With the exodus of AI talent, the vibrancy of American academia is challenged. International students have made indispensable contributions to this field. How the US balances immigration policy with technological advancement in the future remains a critical question.
