The U.S. has reversed its decision to revoke thousands of student visas after backlash; SEVIS records are being reinstated, but uncertainties remain.
The U.S. has reversed its decision to revoke thousands of student visas after backlash; SEVIS records are being reinstated, but uncertainties remain.
The U.S. government has reversed its decision to revoke the legal status of over 4,700 international students after facing extensive legal challenges and public outcry. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had previously deactivated these students' records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), often due to minor or dismissed legal infractions, leaving many at risk of deportation.
Following lawsuits and emergency injunctions from judges in 23 states, the Department of Justice announced that ICE will reinstate the affected student records and develop a clearer policy for future terminations. However, this reversal does not apply to students involved in national security-related cases, particularly those linked to pro-Palestinian protests.
Despite the reinstatement of SEVIS records, uncertainties remain, especially for students who have already left the country or lost job opportunities due to the initial terminations. Legal proceedings are ongoing, with courts issuing restraining orders to prevent further ICE actions until a formal policy is established.
The situation has raised concerns about the U.S.'s reputation as a welcoming destination for international students, with critics arguing that the abrupt policy changes have caused significant harm to students' educational and professional prospects.
