Trump Administration Reverses Termination of Student Visas Amid Legal Challenge

By Siya May 2, 2025
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In a significant policy reversal, the Trump administration has reinstated the legal status of thousands of international students in the United States, following a federal court hearing on 25 April that ruled the mass termination of their SEVIS records as unlawful.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the official database used by the US Department of Homeland Security to track international students. Earlier, over 1,800 students had their SEVIS records abruptly terminated, prompting widespread fear, legal challenges, and even forced departures from the country.

In court, lawyers for the US government confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was developing a new policy. Until then, they assured the court that student visa records “will remain active or shall be reactivated if not currently active,” particularly for cases linked solely to criminal database checks.

However, experts have warned that the implications remain unclear. While the move is seen as a win for students and universities, visa revocations—handled separately by the US Department of State—remain in place. This means that while some students may now be allowed to stay in the US, they might still face restrictions returning after international travel.

NAFSA, the leading association for international education, urged caution. “This is a welcome development, but not all terminations are affected,” the organisation noted. It added that only records terminated by ICE—not revoked visas—are being reversed.

Legal representatives Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce from Fragomen noted concerns for students who were forced to leave the US: “Those students must now apply for new F-1 visas and face the possibility of delays or denial.”

Although the ruling has brought relief, the broader situation remains fluid. The court has ordered the US government to clarify its evolving policy, as students, universities, and legal experts await further direction.

The UK has closely followed the developments, given its own substantial community of students in the US and transatlantic academic ties. International education experts have called for transparency, consistency, and student protection as the policy landscape continues to shift.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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