Crackdown on birth tourism: US revoked 600 visas

Stricter visa rules and uncertain policy are expected to lead to up to 1.1 lakh fewer registrations of foreign students in American colleges and universities in Fall 2026, a new report by a non-profit organisation of educators said.  The NAFSA: Association of International Educators report projected that the decline in enrolment of international students could lead to a loss of USD 3.4 billion in local spending and hit an estimated 39,000 jobs. As per the report by NAFSA and research firm JB International, the registration of international students in Fall 2025-26 was an estimated 11.69 lakh, which has declined to 10.57 lakh this year.
India is the largest source of international students in the US, with more than 3.63 lakh students enrolling in various courses during the 2024-25 academic year. International students contributed $41.77 billion to the US economy in Fall 2025-26, according to the report. That figure is projected to fall to $38.37 billion in 2026-27. Last month, the Department of Homeland Security finalised a rule that will bar international students from staying in the US for longer than four years without an extension. The change could create challenges for students enrolled in lengthy doctoral programmes or those hoping to remain in the US for temporary work after completing their studies.Last year, the US government restricted visitors from dozens of countries, including Afghanistan and Yemen, citing security concerns.Declines in graduate-level enrolment are the primary driver of economic losses, particularly among institutions with the largest international student populations, the report said.
The US has revoked more than 600 visas from foreign nationals in the last month as part of a major offensive against "birth tourism," Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday. The visa revocations followed a review conducted by the Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force, which the State Department recently set up to review visa holder activity, dismantle illegal birth tourism networks, and end this heinous abuse of US laws. "In just one month, the Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force has taken action to revoke more than 600 visas from foreign nationals across the globe and will continue to safeguard our nation from this abuse,” Rubio said on X.
Meanwhile,Thirty U.S. senators have sent a formal letter to the federal government warning that extensive visa processing delays could prevent international students from arriving in the U.S. in time for the start of the academic year.They have urged the fedral government to -Prioritize F-1, M-1 and J-1 visa processing, Increase staffing at U.S. embassies and consulates, Expand interview-waiver options for eligible returning students, Improve transparency around visa appointment availability and Provide data on visa processing times and delays.