A recent crackdown by the Trump administration has resulted in the revocation of thousands of student visas and termination of SEVIS records, leaving international students in the United States uncertain about their future. According to a report by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has terminated 4,736 SEVIS records since January 20, 2025, with the majority being F-1 status holders.
Over 240 colleges and universities have identified 1,550-plus international students and recent graduates whose legal status has been changed by the State Department. This move has sparked widespread concern among international students, who fear arrest and deportation due to the termination of their SEVIS status. Many students have reportedly lost their F-1 or J-1 visas due to alleged activism or minor crimes, with some universities unaware of the reasons behind the visa terminations.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that terminating a SEVIS record does not equate to revoking a student’s status. However, immigration lawyers argue that without a valid SEVIS record, students cannot work or transfer schools, effectively rendering their status invalid. In court filings, the Justice Department has defended the administration’s actions, stating that SEVIS is simply a database and does not control a student’s lawful nonimmigrant status.
The Trump administration has cited alleged involvement in campus activism and sharing “anti-national” content on social media as primary reasons for visa revocations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially estimated that around 300 student visas would be revoked, but the actual number has far exceeded that estimate.
What Students Can Do?
International students affected by visa revocation can:
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult with immigration attorneys to challenge the revocation
- Monitor SEVIS Status: Ensure that the school has not terminated F-1 status
- File a Challenge: Contest deportation proceedings in an immigration court
- File a Lawsuit: Challenge the termination of SEVIS records in federal court
- Apply for Reinstatement: If SEVIS record has been terminated, students may qualify for reinstatement
The US government’s crackdown on international students has sparked widespread concern and uncertainty. As lawsuits mount and institutions struggle with the evolving legal environment, students are fighting to maintain their status and continue their education. With the Trump administration showing no signs of easing its strict stance, the future of international students in the United States hangs in the balance.
