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Summary:
An escalating immigration crackdown by the Trump administration has triggered a surge in lawsuits across the U.S., as thousands of international students face abrupt visa cancellations, loss of legal status, and looming deportations. Federal judges are issuing emergency orders to halt removals, and civil rights groups are mounting a legal resistance to what they describe as unconstitutional targeting and due process violations.
Trump Administration Targets Student Visa Holders
In the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term, U.S. immigration policy has taken a hard turn, particularly against international students. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been systematically removing thousands of students from the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which governs the legal status of over 1.1 million international students in the country.
According to data from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), over 4,700 students have had their records deleted from the system since January, putting their education, immigration status, and future in jeopardy.
Nationwide Legal Blitz: Federal Judges Intervene
On a single day this week, federal judges in at least seven jurisdictions, including Massachusetts, Montana, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C., issued emergency orders to block ICE from deporting students. These rulings came in response to lawsuits filed by students, universities, and civil rights organizations.
“This is popping up all over the country,” said U.S. District Judge Patti Saris, who issued a temporary injunction protecting a 22-year-old Chinese MIT student just weeks from graduation.
Mysterious Database Deletions and Murky Justifications
Students are being removed from the SEVIS database without clear warnings or opportunities to respond. The government claims the revocations are based on criminal record searches or security concerns, but in many cases, the alleged violations involve minor, dismissed, or non-criminal incidents.
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Take the case of Krish Isserdasani, a 21-year-old Indian student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His visa was revoked after a disorderly conduct arrest that did not result in charges. A federal judge found the government’s action “likely unlawful.”
Procedural Safeguards Ignored
Legal experts say the Trump administration is bypassing key procedural protections.
“Every procedural safeguard in the book was blown past,” said immigration attorney Jonathan Wasden, who has handled hundreds of these cases. He reports that many students had no criminal records at all—some were flagged for mere traffic citations, while others were never informed of the reason for their visa revocation.
Legal Victories in Montana, Michigan, Indiana
In Montana, U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen ordered the restoration of student visas for two international students—one from Iran, the other from Turkey—studying at Montana State University. Neither had committed any crime or participated in protests, undercutting the government’s national security justification.
Meanwhile, the ACLU of Michigan is representing four students in federal court, and its Indiana affiliate is suing on behalf of seven international students from universities statewide.
Fear of Retaliation Stalls Many from Suing
Despite mounting legal victories, many affected students are reluctant to pursue litigation, fearing retaliation or becoming public targets.
“A lot of people are scared that filing suit will put them on ICE’s radar,” Wasden said. “They don’t want to be the next student arrested on camera and paraded in handcuffs.”
This fear is not unfounded. Last month, ICE agents wearing balaclavas were filmed arresting a Tufts University student from Turkey, drawing national outrage.
Academic Institutions in Crisis Mode
Universities are scrambling to protect their international students. At MIT, nine students had their immigration status unexpectedly revoked in a single week. Dartmouth College and other elite schools are also reporting similar patterns.
Some institutions are now offering legal assistance, temporary housing, and mental health resources to affected students. However, the lack of communication from the Department of Homeland Security has left schools largely in the dark.
Constitutional Concerns and Free Speech Chilling Effect
Civil rights advocates argue the crackdown is not only an immigration enforcement issue but also a First Amendment crisis. Students who have participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations or criticized U.S. foreign policy have seen their visas revoked, raising fears of political targeting.
“The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech to everyone in the U.S., regardless of immigration status,” noted one ACLU attorney. “This administration appears to be ignoring that.”
What Comes Next?
With thousands of students in legal limbo, litigation is expected to escalate. Universities, advocacy groups, and individual students continue to challenge ICE’s actions on due process and constitutional grounds.
Observers warn that the long-term implications of this crackdown could be devastating—not only to affected students but also to U.S. higher education’s global standing, research output, and international partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are international students being deported under the Trump administration?
The Trump administration has been revoking student visa status by deleting individuals from the SEVIS database, often based on questionable or minor allegations, without due process.
What is SEVIS and why does deletion matter?
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) tracks foreign students in the U.S. If a student is removed from this system, their legal status to remain in the U.S. is invalidated, triggering deportation.
Are students fighting back?
Yes. Lawsuits have been filed across the country. Judges in several states have issued injunctions preventing deportations, ruling the government likely violated constitutional and administrative protections.
What is the role of universities in this crisis?
Universities are providing legal support and advocating for their students, but many are also scrambling to understand the policy changes and protect their international student populations.
How can students protect themselves?
Students should stay in close contact with their school’s international office, seek legal counsel if notified of SEVIS status changes, and document all communications with ICE or DHS.
