US Restores Legal Status of International Students Amid Policy U-Turn

By Aahana May 8, 2025
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In a significant relief to hundreds of international students, the United States government has begun restoring the legal status of students whose visas were abruptly suspended earlier this year. The move follows mounting legal pressure and backlash from education advocates and student attorneys.

The abrupt suspension of student visas—without due process—had left many foreign students vulnerable to deportation, with several having already exited the United States. Eight lawsuits were filed by affected students, prompting a federal court hearing in Oakland, California. During the proceedings, the US government reversed its stance and announced a rollback of the policy, bringing a sigh of relief to many.

Attorneys argued that the students’ legal records were terminated unfairly through the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), allegedly manipulated by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). “DSOs across the country are freaking out because they’re suddenly seeing ICE manipulate SEVIS to terminate records without reason,” said Brad Banias, the plaintiffs’ attorney, as reported by The Guardian.

The court has now issued a 14-day temporary restraining order (TRO) to shield affected students from deportation and has asked the government to provide a formal explanation of its recent visa policy by the end of the week. While this brings temporary relief, the long-term resolution remains uncertain.

Riane Corter, University Relations expert at Prodigy Finance, advised international students to remain calm. “Yes, some students have lost their visas—but those are rare and involve specific violations. There’s no coordinated effort to push students out,” she said, as quoted by India Today.

Despite the restored legal standing, many international students remain anxious, especially those who lost employment or had to leave the country. However, the recent court decision signals a step towards fairer treatment and clearer immigration policy for global students in the US.

The outcome of the case may set a precedent for how international students are protected in the future, as the demand for due process gains traction in American higher education.

Source: SHIKSHA

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