Washington: Pakistani students and other visa holders in the United States face increasing uncertainty, since even minor infractions, political activity or incomplete documentation could put their stay at risk.
Recent cases indicate that traffic violations and campus protests can be informed to the United States National Security Department (DHS), increasing alarms between the Pakistani community.
Two Pakistani students in northern Virginia were surprised when a traffic court judge informed them that the courts must now share records of traffic violations with DHS.
“We were planning to lead Chicago, but not advised not,” said Yunus Khan, a Baltimore student, Maryland. “We are in visas and even a minor error could lead to revocation.”
USA. Reviewing social networks for anti -American or extremist content; The Pakistani embassy says that it is monitoring the situation, it advises caution in political activities
Students who participated in pro-palestinian protests are even more anxious. “Some of us join those manifestations and now we don’t know if we can stay or we could face deportation,” said Samina Ali, also from Baltimore.
Mohammad Sajid, a student at George Mason University, said: “Most of us work part -time to pay for registration. Now we don’t know if we can continue working.”
Khalid, who attends a community university in northern Virginia, added: “Almost all foreign students are scared. We do not know if we can work, drive or even leave. This is not the America with which we dream.”
Those who live in the United States under political asylum face even greater concerns.
The Pakistani Embassy in Washington estimates that between 700,000 and one million Pakistanis live in the United States, most as a long -term citizens or residents. Many are not officially registered, so the exact numbers are not clear.
According to the latest open doors report of the Institute of International Education, the United States organized 1,126,690 international students in 2024, 7 percent more than the previous year.
Pakistan sent 10,988 students in 2024, compared to Bangladesh and 16,742 of Nepal. India headed the list with 331,602 students.
The Pakistani embassy estimates that the number of Pakistani students has increased to approximately 12,500 in 2025, still well below other countries in southern Asia.
As part of the broader research process, US authorities are reviewing the activity of social networks for any sign of hostility towards citizens, culture, government or US institutions.
Authorities have also received instructions to control the support of designated foreign terrorists or commitment to harassment or anti -Semitic violence.
Matthew Tragasser, spokesman for citizenship and immigration services of the United States, declared: “The benefits of the United States should not be granted to those who despise the country and promote anti -American ideologies.”
In addition, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a break in the issuance of workers’ visas for truck drivers, citing security concerns and the impact on US media.
Malawi and Zambia visa holders must now pay a tank of $ 15,000 for tourist or commercial visas, while travel prohibitions remain in force for 12 countries, with partial restrictions in seven more.
The repression has left the Pakistani students and the eager visas holders for their future.
The Pakistani authorities in Washington continue to receive consultations from students and other visas holders and send them to the United States Department of State. Embassy officials are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of legal documentation, awareness of rights and caution in political activity.
Posted in Dawn, on August 23, 2025
