In a dramatic policy shift, the Trump administration has announced it will reinstate student visa registrations for thousands of foreign students who were previously terminated from the SEVIS database over minor legal infractions.
Legal Pressure Triggers Policy U-turn
This decision comes after:
- Over 100 lawsuits were filed
- More than 50 judges issued restraining orders to halt the terminations
- Widespread panic and confusion among affected students, many of whom were close to graduation
Judges criticized the arbitrary nature of the terminations and lack of clarity about students’ legal status.
ICE Halts Terminations Based on Misdemeanors
In federal court, a Justice Department attorney announced that ICE is now developing a new policy for terminating records in the SEVIS system. Until then:
- SEVIS records flagged due to minor charges or dismissed cases will remain active or be reactivated
- No terminations will occur solely based on NCIC criminal history checks
State Department’s Role Still Unclear
Despite this shift:
- The State Department has not yet reversed its decision to cancel student visas
- Many of these cancellations targeted students linked to pro-Palestinian activism
- Officials have cited “quality control” reviews for the visa cancellations
ICE Retains Authority for Serious Violations
While restoring records for now, ICE clarified it still holds the authority to:
- Terminate SEVIS records for serious violations
- Act against students who fail to maintain legal status or engage in unlawful activity
A Welcome Relief for International Students
The rollback offers relief to thousands of students who faced deportation risks, disrupted education, and immense stress. As the policy evolves, students and universities await clearer guidelines from both ICE and the State Department.
This decision marks a significant win for due process, but many students still face uncertainty about their visa status and future in the US.
