The federal government has reversed its decision to terminate the legal status of over 1,200 international students following widespread legal challenges and public outcry. Students across the U.S. had been at risk of deportation after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) abruptly canceled their SEVIS records, often without notifying them or their schools.
In federal court Friday, government attorneys confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will reactivate the SEVIS records of students whose status had been abruptly canceled. ICE said it is developing a new policy to govern future terminations, but for now, student records will remain active even if their visas were revoked.
The reversal follows a wave of lawsuits across the country, as students accused the Trump administration of stripping their status without due process. Many students faced deportation after losing their status with little explanation, and some had already self-deported or gone into hiding.
“This unprecedented treatment of student status caused tremendous fear among international students,” said Jodie Ferise, a higher education attorney in Indiana.
The terminations were initially tied to national security concerns and a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. campuses, a move the administration defended. However, many students who lost their status had no ties to any protests or criminal activity.
The controversy has sparked concerns over America’s reputation among international students. Critics warn that even with the reversal, the damage may have lasting effects on international enrollment.
A federal judge in California said Friday that the situation reflected “a new world order every single day” under the current administration and pressed ICE attorneys for clear assurances that protections would stay in place as policy is developed.
At least 1,220 students across 187 colleges and universities were affected by the mass cancellations, according to an Associated Press review.
