It is already known that the U.S. government has canceled the visas of international students, including Indian students, who participated in protests on college campuses, alleging their support for Hamas. Now, the U.S. has gone a step further—asking students to leave the country even for minor offenses.

American authorities are now issuing orders for foreign students to leave the country for even small legal violations like traffic offenses. In recent days, dozens of Indian students have received emails from Designated School Officials (DSOs), informing them that their F-1 student visas are no longer valid and that they must immediately leave the country.

The emails cite minor past offenses, such as over-speeding, crossing shifting lanes improperly, drunk driving, and shoplifting. The emails clearly state that the F-1 visa is canceled, SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is terminated, the I-20 form is invalid, and Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) are no longer valid. Students have been told, “If you are still in the U.S., plan to leave the country immediately.” Emails were received by Indian students in several states including Missouri, Texas, and Nebraska. Texas-based immigration lawyer Chand Paravathneni, who is handling 30 such cases, said that canceling SEVIS for offenses like drunk driving and speeding is extremely rare.