The Trump administration’s policies on international students have been a topic of significant debate. Recently, the federal government decided to restore the records of international students whose entries in a critical database were previously terminated. This decision is part of a broader context of legal challenges and administrative changes regarding the monitoring and status of international students in the U.S. These changes have had a profound impact on the lives of many students, affecting their ability to study and work in the country.
Background: Abrupt Terminations Spark National Uproar
In a stunning reversal, the Trump administration announced it would temporarily restore the legal status of hundreds of international students whose records had been terminated from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database earlier this month — putting them at risk of deportation.
At a court hearing in the Northern District of California on April 25, 2025, part of a growing wave of lawsuits filed by international students challenging the administration’s hardline immigration actions, Elizabeth D. Kurlan, a Justice Department attorney, announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would reactivate students’ SEVIS records temporarily while it drafts a new policy framework to govern terminations.
- Reactivate SEVIS records for students who sued.
- Maintain active status until a new formal policy for revocations is finalized.
Excerpt from Government’s Statement:
“The SEVIS records for plaintiff(s) in this case (and other similarly situated plaintiffs) will remain Active or shall be re-activated.”
The move came after:
- Weeks of escalating lawsuits.
- Intense judicial scrutiny nationwide.
- Over 50 federal judges granting temporary restraining orders (TROs) against the administration’s actions.
Students and Attorneys Report Abrupt Restorations
Starting Thursday afternoon, April 24, 2025, immigration attorneys and universities across the country began noticing that:
- Many international students’ terminated SEVIS records were suddenly reinstated.
- The reinstatements often came without formal explanation or notice from the government.
Friday’s announcement by the federal government regarding the restoration of SEVIS records came in response to a significant backlash, including lawsuits from students and educators, who faced uncertainty about their status in the U.S. after the abrupt termination of records linked to minor legal infractions.
Background: Mass SEVIS Terminations Spark Panic
- Since Trump’s second term began on January 20, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had removed the SEVIS records of more than 4,700 foreign students.
- The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a government database that tracks the compliance of approximately 1.1 million international students studying in the United States.
- Students risked immediate loss of status and deportation simply because their SEVIS records were terminated — even when no criminal convictions existed.
Key SEVIS Compliance Requirements:
- Maintaining full-time enrollment.
- Reporting address changes.
- Complying with restrictions on employment.
- Avoiding criminal activity.
Learn more about SEVIS here: U.S. ICE: SEVIS Program Overview
Why Students Sued: Minor Charges, Major Consequences
Hundreds of international students filed dozens of lawsuits in courts across the country, arguing that:
- Their SEVIS terminations were based on dismissed charges (even without convictions) or minor legal infractions (e.g., DUI or traffic offenses) or Unconfirmed allegations in criminal background checks
- Some students were also reportedly targeted for their political activism, particularly in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
- Immigration rules only allow status revocation for convictions involving serious or violent crimes.
- Many students never received a formal notice before their status was revoked.
Impact of Terminations:
- Students feared instant loss of immigration status and possible deportation.
- Many faced barriers to class enrollment, research activities, work authorization, and graduation timelines.
- Schools often blocked students’ academic access without clear guidance from federal agencies.
- Students nearing graduation were especially at risk of being forced out of the country.
Immigration officials played a significant role in reviewing and potentially terminating visas and SEVIS records, which added to the students’ fears and uncertainties:
- Students faced devastating choices:
- Self-deport voluntarily.
- Hide or stop attending classes.
- Leave the U.S. permanently, often under duress.
- Lost job opportunities tied to visa status.
- Mental health toll from fear of deportation.
Examples:
- Xiaotian Liu, a Chinese PhD researcher at Dartmouth University, had his SEVIS record terminated without ever being charged with a crime.
- A federal judge recently granted him a restraining order to block further government action.
- Many students were stranded — unable to legally study, work, or travel.
Student reaction: Widespread panic and legal confusion disrupted campuses nationwide, with many students just weeks from completing their degrees.
➡️ Understand your rights if facing SEVIS termination
Political Context: A Broader Crackdown on Noncitizens
The SEVIS terminations were part of a larger Trump administration effort to tighten immigration controls, targeting not only undocumented immigrants but also lawful visa holders. A government lawyer was often involved in court proceedings discussing policy changes and the implications for students affected by recent actions taken by immigration authorities.
Additional steps taken included:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoking hundreds of visas, many linked to pro-Palestinian campus protests.
- Increased use of obscure immigration laws to crack down on immigrant student activism.
➡️ Read more about the Trump administration’s immigration actions
Economic and Academic Impact: Why This Matters
University leaders, immigration advocates, and economists warn that:
- Foreign students contribute over $44 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
- The Trump administration’s actions risk scaring off global talent, hurting universities and industries reliant on international expertise.
- Many U.S. campuses, already facing enrollment declines, are concerned about long-term reputational harm.
- Immigration attorneys have noted the sudden restoration of students’ SEVIS records, creating confusion and uncertainty, as reported by NBC News.
Explore data: NAFSA Economic Value of International Students 2025
Court Victories: Temporary Protection Achieved
By the Numbers:
- Over 100 lawsuits were filed across at least 23 states.
- Judges issued dozens of TROs preventing immediate deportation.
- Over 200 students have won temporary restraining orders (TROs) preventing ICE from deporting them.
- Students like Carrie Zheng at Boston University were among those who obtained legal protections.
- The Trump administration’s initiative to create a ‘new system’ for reviewing and terminating visas for international students aims to establish a clearer framework for managing SEVIS records.
Courts Push Back: Judges Demand Accountability
Federal judges across the United States expressed:
- Frustration at the government’s arbitrary handling of visa terminations.
- Skepticism about ICE’s refusal to guarantee students’ right to remain in the U.S. while cases were reviewed.
- Preparedness to issue even more restraining orders if necessary.
Important Court Action:
- U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor in Boston received notice that ICE would reinstate SEVIS records while a new termination policy is developed.
- The temporary restraining orders will remain in place to prevent deportation while SEVIS records are reactivated.
Brian Green, an attorney representing an American University student, called the reversal “a sigh of relief for international students across the country.”
Student reaction:
One anonymous student who sued the government described feeling “relief, mostly,” but also “still very much anxious about next steps.”
What the Government Is Saying
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized that it was not “reversing course” but rather restoring SEVIS access for students whose visas had not yet been revoked.
- ICE is reportedly drafting a new framework that will outline how and when a SEVIS record can be lawfully terminated moving forward.
- Until finalized, ICE will not terminate SEVIS records solely based on criminal database flags like minor charges or dismissed cases.
- Students’ SEVIS records will either remain active or be reactivated if previously terminated.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin:
“SEVIS access is being restored for individuals who had not had their visas formally revoked.”
ICE’s Statement: Reinstatement — But With Conditions
During the hearing, DOJ attorney Kurlan emphasized:
- ICE will no longer terminate SEVIS records solely based on National Crime Information Center (NCIC) alerts regarding minor or dismissed criminal charges.
- However, ICE retains the authority to terminate SEVIS records if:
- A student fails to maintain full-time status or violates visa conditions.
- A student fails to maintain his or her nonimmigrant status after their record is reactivated.
- A student commits a new immigration or criminal violation that makes them deportable under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
➡️ Learn about visa compliance requirements for F-1 students
Partial Relief: Not All Students Reinstated Yet
The pattern of reinstatements is uneven:
- At University of California, Berkeley, 12 out of 23 affected students had their SEVIS records reinstated, according to spokesperson Janet Gilmore.
- Rochester Institute of Technology confirmed some of its students also regained status.
- Atlanta immigration attorney Charles Kuck reported that about a dozen clients saw their statuses restored.
- Minnesota attorney David Wilson noted that roughly half of his 20 clients had their students records reinstated.
Ongoing Uncertainties: Key Questions Remain
While this reversal is a major development, important questions linger:
- Will all 5,000 students whose records were terminated have their status restored, or only those who filed lawsuits?
- How will the new ICE policy define grounds for future SEVIS terminations?
- What about the visa revocations ordered separately by the State Department?
Greg Chen from the American Immigration Lawyers Association warned:
“It’s still unclear whether all targeted students will regain full legal standing.”
Lingering Questions: What About Cancelled Visas?
While SEVIS records are being reinstated, it remains unclear whether:
- The State Department will reinstate visas already canceled under similar circumstances.
- Visa cancellations performed during “quality control” reviews will be reversed.
Earlier this year:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched a controversial crackdown canceling visas of students involved in pro-Palestinian activism.
- The larger April wave targeted students with minor legal issues unrelated to political activity.
➡️ Learn more about the U.S. F-1 Student Visa Program
Despite the reactivation of SEVIS records:
Many students’ actual F-1 visas remain revoked, trapping them inside the U.S. and preventing international travel. Students whose SEVIS statuses were once terminated still carry a record of termination, which may:
- Harm future green card applications.
- Complicate requests for new visas.
- Trigger additional immigration scrutiny.
ICE has the authority to terminate SEVIS records based on various reasons, including involvement in unlawful activity, which can render individuals removable from the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
David Wilson warned: “That means they’re kind of trapped in the country… The next phase is seeking clarity about what the government is actually doing.”
What Happens If Your U.S. Visa Is Revoked?
Not All Issues Resolved: Lingering Legal and Policy Gaps
ICE insists that SEVIS revocations were separate from visa cancellations — a claim disputed by attorneys. Students like Rumeysa Ozturk (Tufts University) and Mahmoud Khalil (Columbia University) still face uncertain futures after visa cancellations unrelated to SEVIS reactivations. Students who already left the U.S. after losing their records remain at risk: Will they be allowed to return? Will they be reissued visas?
Additionally, ICE retains the authority to terminate a student’s SEVIS record based on various reasons, including engagement in other unlawful activity, which could lead to their removal from the United States.
John Sinodis, attorney for impacted students, criticized ICE’s latest statements as:
“woefully inadequate.”
Agency Silence
ICE and the State Department did not immediately respond to inquiries seeking clarification about the broader visa revocations.
Immigration attorneys warn that many reinstated SEVIS records could still face challenges without parallel action from the State Department
Advocates Call for Full Remedies
Immigration advocates argue that simple reinstatement is not enough:
- Elora Mukherjee, director of the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at Columbia Law School, stressed that students could suffer lasting consequences:
“The government needs to make students whole — merely restoring SEVIS records doesn’t undo the harm.”
“You can’t undo missed finals, lost scholarships, or missed graduation ceremonies.”
- Jodie Ferise, a higher education attorney, added:
“The world is watching. This episode will hurt international student enrollment for years.”
Some students left the U.S. voluntarily out of fear, while others remain trapped and anxious about their future.
The Bigger Picture: Long-Term Damage Remains
- Gregory Chen of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) warned:
“ICE’s massive mistake continues to harm students, universities, and American research institutions.”
Even with SEVIS records restored for many students, significant questions remain:
- Who qualifies for reinstatement?
- What about students who didn’t file lawsuits?
- How will this affect future visa renewals or green card applications?
Deeper Legal Challenges: Students Seek Broader Protections
Some lawsuits are now seeking nationwide court orders to:
- Prohibit arrests, detentions, or deportations of affected students.
- Allow continued academic enrollment and employment authorization.
However, DOJ attorney Pam Johann argued that courts should “pause” while ICE implements the new restoration policy. This process of ongoing legal challenges and changes within the immigration system highlights the complexities and implications for international students caught in the system.
Federal Judge Jeffrey S. White voiced skepticism:
“It seems like with this administration there’s a new world order every single day… It’s like whack-a-mole.”
He ordered the government to clarify the details of the new policy, and clarification on protections for students still affected.
Public Opinion:
- According to an AP-NORC survey:
- 50% of U.S. adults oppose visa revocations linked to campus protests.
- Opposition is even higher (60%) among college-educated Americans.
➡️ Explore the AP-NORC Center’s findings
What’s Next for Affected Students?
Students who had their SEVIS records terminated should:
- Monitor their SEVIS record status closely via their designated school officials (DSOs).
- Consult an experienced immigration attorney if they are unsure about their legal standing.
- Check your visa status through your local U.S. embassy or consulate if you intend to travel internationally.
- Prepare for possible future challenges if the Trump administration finalizes harsher SEVIS termination rules.
Students who participated in political protests, including pro-Palestinian demonstrations, faced complications with their ability to study in the U.S. due to the administration’s strict immigration policies.
➡️ Tip: International students should gather documentation of their compliance, good academic standing, and legal history to be ready if policies shift again.
Frequently Asked Questions: DOJ’s Reversal of SEVIS Terminations for F-1 Students
1. What is the DOJ’s recent announcement regarding SEVIS terminations?
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will reinstate the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records of international students whose records were recently terminated. This decision comes as ICE develops a new policy framework for future terminations. Until the new policy is implemented, ICE will not modify SEVIS records solely based on findings from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. (Trump
2. Who is affected by this reversal?
The reversal primarily affects international students on F-1 visas whose SEVIS records were terminated in recent weeks, often due to minor legal infractions or administrative errors. Students whose records were terminated solely based on NCIC findings are included in this reinstatement. (Trump Abruptly
3. Does this mean all affected students will have their SEVIS records reinstated?
While the DOJ’s announcement indicates a broad reinstatement, it’s currently focused on students whose records were terminated based solely on NCIC findings. Students with more serious legal issues or other violations may not be covered under this reversal. It’s advisable for all affected students to consult with their Designated School Officials (DSOs) or legal counsel for specific guidance.
4. What is SEVIS, and why is it important?
SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a database used by the U.S. government to track and monitor international students and exchange visitors in the United States. Maintaining an active SEVIS record is essential for international students to remain in lawful status and continue their studies.
5. What led to the termination of SEVIS records for these students?
In recent weeks, ICE terminated the SEVIS records of numerous international students, often citing minor legal infractions or administrative reasons. Many terminations were based on entries in the NCIC database, which includes arrest records and other law enforcement data. This led to widespread confusion and legal challenges.
6. What is the NCIC, and how does it relate to SEVIS terminations?
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a database maintained by the FBI that contains criminal justice information, including arrest records. ICE used NCIC entries as a basis for terminating SEVIS records, even in cases involving minor infractions or dismissed charges. The DOJ’s recent announcement indicates that such terminations based solely on NCIC findings will be halted pending the development of a new policy.
7. How does this reversal affect students currently outside the U.S. whose SEVIS records were terminated?
Students outside the U.S. whose SEVIS records were terminated may face challenges re-entering the country, even if their records are reinstated. Re-entry requires a valid visa, and visa issuance is handled by the U.S. Department of State. The DOJ’s announcement does not address visa reinstatements, so affected students should consult with their DSOs and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance.
8. Does this reversal affect students whose visas were revoked?
The DOJ’s announcement specifically addresses SEVIS record terminations and does not directly pertain to visa revocations. Visa issuance and revocation fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State. Students whose visas were revoked should seek guidance from their DSOs and consult with legal counsel to explore options for reinstatement or reapplication.
9. What should students do if they believe their SEVIS record was wrongly terminated?
Students who believe their SEVIS records were wrongly terminated should:
· Contact their DSO immediately to discuss their case.
· Gather all relevant documentation, including any notices received from ICE or other authorities.
· Consult with an immigration attorney to explore options for reinstatement or legal action.
10. Will ICE continue to have the authority to terminate SEVIS records in the future?
Yes. While ICE is currently halting terminations based solely on NCIC findings, it retains the authority to terminate SEVIS records for other reasons, such as failure to maintain nonimmigrant status or engagement in unlawful activities that render a student removable under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
11. How can students stay informed about updates to this situation?
Students should maintain regular communication with their DSOs, monitor official announcements from ICE and the U.S. Department of State, and consult with legal counsel as needed. Staying informed through reputable news sources and official government websites is also recommended.
12. What steps are being taken to prevent similar issues in the future?
ICE is developing a new policy framework to provide clearer guidelines for SEVIS record terminations. This policy aims to ensure that terminations are conducted fairly and with appropriate justification, reducing the likelihood of arbitrary or unjustified actions.
13. Are there any legal actions students can take if they were affected by the terminations?
Yes. Many students have filed lawsuits challenging the terminations of their SEVIS records. Legal actions can include seeking reinstatement of status, challenging the basis of termination, and pursuing compensation for any damages suffered. Consulting with an immigration attorney is essential to determine the best course of action.
14. How have universities responded to the terminations and subsequent reversal?
Universities have expressed concern over the abrupt terminations and the impact on their international student populations. Many institutions have worked closely with affected students, providing support and legal resources. The reversal has been welcomed, but universities continue to advocate for clearer policies and better communication from federal agencies.
15. What is the timeline for the development and implementation of the new ICE policy?
As of now, there is no specific timeline provided for the development and implementation of the new ICE policy regarding SEVIS record terminations. Students and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for updates on policy developments.
For more detailed information and updates, students can refer to official resources such as the ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and consult with their DSOs or legal counsel.
Final Thoughts
The Trump administration’s sudden reversal on student visa terminations represents a partial but fragile victory for international students.
However, with unclear policies, unreversed visa cancellations, and deep damage already done, the road to full recovery remains long and uncertain.
Students and universities must stay informed, advocate for permanent protections, and be ready to challenge further immigration crackdowns if necessary.
Why You Should Schedule a Consultation with Immigration Attorney Richard Herman
Navigating the complexities of F-1 visa reinstatement can be daunting, especially in light of recent policy shifts. Richard Herman, founder of the Herman Legal Group, brings over 30 years of dedicated experience in immigration law, making him an invaluable ally in your journey.
Expertise You Can Trust
Richard Herman is nationally recognized for his extensive knowledge and commitment to immigration law. His firm has been acknowledged by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best Law Firm” in immigration law. With a team fluent in over 12 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Arabic, communication barriers are minimized, ensuring you receive clear and personalized guidance.
Comprehensive Legal Support
Whether you’re dealing with SEVIS record terminations, visa revocations, or seeking reinstatement, Richard Herman’s approach is thorough and compassionate. His firm offers a wide range of services, from student visas to deportation defense, ensuring that all aspects of your case are meticulously handled.
Accessible and Personalized Consultations
Understanding the urgency and sensitivity of immigration matters, Herman Legal Group offers flexible consultation options, including virtual meetings via Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime. This accessibility ensures that you can receive expert advice regardless of your location.
Take the Next Step
Your educational and professional future in the U.S. is too important to leave to chance. By consulting with Richard Herman, you’re choosing a path guided by experience, dedication, and a proven track record of success. Schedule your consultation today to ensure your rights are protected and your goals are within reach.
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