Federal Government Reverses Course on SEVIS Record Terminations for International Students
In a significant turnaround, the federal government has announced the restoration of records for hundreds, if not thousands, of international students whose entries in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) were recently terminated. This abrupt action had jeopardized these students’ legal status in the U.S.
Prior to the announcement, numerous judges had already issued temporary orders directing the government to restore these records. The SEVIS database is essential for tracking international students’ compliance with visa regulations as well as any disciplinary actions taken by their schools.
In recent weeks, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had been terminating thousands of student records, often due to minor disciplinary infractions uncovered during background checks. Without an active SEVIS entry, these students faced difficulties in adjusting or extending their legal status, raising concerns about potential deportation.
These record terminations were part of a broader trend during the Trump administration to intensify efforts to expel noncitizens. Notably, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also revoked visas for students involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
In response to the record terminations, nearly 100 federal lawsuits have been filed nationwide by affected students. A recent court hearing saw a government lawyer announce that terminated SEVIS records would be restored, at least temporarily, while the administration formulates new policies for record revocations.
Brian Green, an attorney representing a student impacted by a record cancellation, described the government’s announcement as a "sigh of relief" for international students. While it’s unclear if all affected students will see their records restored, this development marks a critical moment in the ongoing debate over immigration policy and its impact on international students. The Departments of Justice and Homeland Security have yet to comment on the situation.
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