The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has cautioned Kenyan students in America that missing classes could lead to the cancellation of their visa status.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 13, the embassy addressed both prospective and current Kenyan students enrolled in U.S. institutions.

It further warned that those who obtain student visas but later withdraw from their academic programs also risk losing their visa status.

“Heading to the U.S. on a student visa? Ensure you stay on track! Skipping classes or leaving your program without notifying your school could impact your visa status and future travel plans,” the statement by the embassy read in part.

The U.S. Embassy has warned that dropping out of a program without notifying the school could jeopardise a student’s eligibility for future U.S. visas.

This statement comes amid a shift in U.S. immigration policy under Donald Trump’s second term, which began in 2025.

His administration has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal immigration, including stricter scrutiny of international students on F-1 and J-1 visas.

Measures have included tighter vetting, heightened visa enforcement, and broader tools to combat visa fraud—such as rejecting applications based on social media activity.

Kenyan students have been under particular scrutiny due to a growing pattern of individuals obtaining student visas but using them to settle in the U.S. for business or employment instead of studies. In other instances, financial challenges have forced students to miss classes or skip entire semesters.

The administration’s resolve was evident in April, when over 4,700 international student visas were revoked—reportedly without due process, according to NBC News, as many students said they received little or no explanation.

There have also been reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) appearing on campuses to enforce immediate deportations.

One example from July 2025 involved a Kenyan student being denied a visa in Nairobi for allegedly failing to demonstrate strong ties to Kenya.

In another case, a student was detained for not updating his school’s international office after changing his major, a requirement under the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).