There is good news for international students. In what can be seen as a temporary relief, US President Donal Trump has reversed its decision to terminate legal status of thousands of international students. Trump administration on Friday restored the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records of thousands of students. The move comes amid multiple lawsuits filed by International students, challenging the abrupt termination of their legal status.
This is, however, not a permanent solution. Lawyers and officials have clarified these as only temporary measures. Officials have further stated that future action on student’s is not ruled out.
US Student Visa: What is happening and Why
Over the past few weeks, thousands of international students found themselves at the doorstep of deportation following action from Department of Homeland Security which terminated their SEVIS, making their stay in USA illegal. Students were advised to self deport at the earliest, causing wide spread panic within the student community.
In the move, which also affected many Indian students studying in USA, close to 1500 student visas were either terminated or flagged. All international students were also advised to carry their documents on them at all times and update their official records. Universities supported their students but found themselves unable to offer any help.
Following the action, many international students filed lawsuits against the current administration, calling the move abrupt and ‘targeting certain community’ of students. Consequently, the administration has decided to restore the legal status.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now developing a new process to review student records. Immigration officials maintain that the reinforcement of legal status does not guarantee no action in future.
What happened
In a move to check ‘antisemitism’, President Trump in January 2025 signed the Executive Order 14188. The order titled “Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism” directs federal agencies to monitor and address antisemitism in educational institutions. The order asked the departments to focus on international students and staff.
Following the order, many international students found their SEVIS terminated. Many students even chose self-deportation. As per reports, even students who commented on a pro-Hamas post on social media were flagged by the system.
It was not merely the antisemitism. In late March and April, many international students faced cancellation of their visas on grounds of minor infarction with law. Some students were charged for driving without a license and found their visas revoked.
Impact on Indian Students
There were many Indian students in the thousands of international students whose legal status was terminated. Students were also advised to self deport.
Apart from the impact on students in USA, many Indian students planning to travel to USA for studies also met hurdles. As per report, there has been a sharp decline in F1 visas being issued to Indian students last year. Between January 2024 and September 2024, a 38% dip was also noticed.
In another unconfirmed reports, many of the top US Universities are also reducing the number of international students accepted annually. This would have a direct impact on Indian students who plan to study in the country.
Study abroad counsellors and experts, however, reiterate that there is no reason for genuine students to worry. While the total number of international students may be impacted, industry experts suggest that genuine cases would always find a place in the top universities in the country.