Legal Battle Rekindled Over US Student Visa Revocations

By Henry June 27, 2025
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A fresh legal challenge has been launched against the United States government over its sweeping revocation of international student visas and SEVIS terminations earlier this year, which campaigners allege were unlawful.

The amended complaint, filed on 27 June by the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), accuses the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department of breaching federal regulations.

“This spring, DHS unlawfully terminated SEVIS records based on visa revocations and alleged criminal histories – neither of which is a lawful basis under current regulations,” the lawsuit states.

Although many of the SEVIS records have since been reinstated, the plaintiffs argue that federal authorities continue to engage in improper conduct. They are urging the court to declare the actions illegal, prohibit further revocations, and hold responsible agencies accountable.

“Higher education stands together to defend the rights and contributions of international students and scholars,” said Miriam Feldblum, CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance. “Their innovation and ideas strengthen our communities and drive economic growth.”

Under existing law, revocation of a student visa traditionally affected re-entry into the United States but not the legal status of students already residing in the country. However, DHS has formalised a new policy, which allows student status to be invalidated upon visa cancellation, a move deemed unlawful by the plaintiffs.

The legal filing also highlights coercive emails sent by the State Department, allegedly instructing students to leave the country immediately, even though such directives lack legal grounding if students are already within the US.

Rob McCarron, president of AICUM, emphasised that the litigation seeks to ensure “due process” and protect the legal standing of more than 80,000 international students in Massachusetts alone.

International students contribute nearly $44 billion to the American economy and support over 378,000 jobs despite accounting for less than 6% of the total student body. Advocates argue that their presence is vital and must be safeguarded by lawful procedures.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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