*Washington D.C.* — Pakistani students and other visa holders in the UnitedStates are increasingly concerned about their future as even minorviolations, incomplete paperwork, or political activity could now put theirstay at risk.
According to a *Dawn* report, recent cases indicate that traffic violationsand campus protest activities are being reported to the U.S. Department ofHomeland Security (DHS), sparking alarm in the Pakistani community.
In *Northern Virginia*, two Pakistani students were shocked when a trafficcourt judge informed them that local courts are now required to sharetraffic violation records with DHS.
“I was planning a trip to Chicago, but we’ve been advised not to take anyrisks. Even a small mistake could lead to visa cancellation,” said *YounusKhan*, a student from *Baltimore, Maryland*.
Concerns are also rising over *social media monitoring*, with DHSreportedly reviewing posts for anti-American or extremist content. The*PakistaniEmbassy in Washington D.C.* has advised students and visa holders toexercise caution in political activities, saying it is closely monitoringthe situation.
Students who joined *pro-Palestinian demonstrations* are particularlyworried. *Samina Ali* from Baltimore said, “Some of us participated inthose protests, and now we don’t know if we will be allowed to stay or facedeportation.”
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At *George Mason University*, student *Mohammad Sajid* explained that manyPakistani students rely on part-time jobs to pay tuition fees. “Now wedon’t even know if we can continue working legally,” he said.
*Khalid*, a student at a community college in Northern Virginia, describedthe mood among international students: “Almost everyone is afraid. We don’tknow if we can drive, work, or even go out freely. This is not the Americawe dreamed of.”
For Pakistanis staying in the U.S. on *political asylum*, the uncertaintyis even greater, with many fearing stricter enforcement and possibledeportations.