Key Takeaways
• On May 22, 2025, Judge White blocked immigration from terminating international students’ legal status nationwide.
• At least 1,220 F-1 visa holders had statuses revoked since March 2025 amid abrupt ICE policy changes.
• The injunction stops deportations, arrests, and negative consequences except for violent crime arrests.
On May 22, 2025, a federal judge in California issued a sweeping order that immediately protects thousands of international students from losing their legal status in the United States 🇺🇸. The decision, handed down by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White in Oakland, blocks immigration authorities from revoking or terminating the legal status of international students while lawsuits challenging these actions move through the courts. This ruling comes after months of confusion, fear, and abrupt policy changes that left students, universities, and legal experts scrambling for answers.
Who is affected? At least 1,220 international students at 187 colleges and universities across the United States have already had their visas revoked or legal status terminated since late March 2025, according to court documents and university reports. The Associated Press confirmed that by mid-April, at least 1,024 students at 160 institutions were impacted. The court’s order applies nationwide, offering relief to all similarly situated F-1 visa holders—students who come to the U.S. to study at accredited institutions.
What does the order do? The injunction stops immigration authorities from arresting, detaining, or deporting affected students, and prevents any negative legal consequences or reversal of reinstated status until the lawsuits are resolved. The only exception is for students arrested for violent crimes.
Why did this happen? The Trump administration, through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), began mass terminations and revocations of international student status in late March 2025, often for unclear or minor reasons. This marked a sharp break from previous practice, where visa revocation did not automatically mean a student had to leave the country. The new approach sparked widespread legal challenges and public outcry.
How did we get here? The situation escalated quickly, with universities reporting sudden SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record terminations, students receiving little or no explanation, and many facing immediate risk of detention or deportation. Legal groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), filed lawsuits arguing that the government’s actions violated due process and constitutional rights.
Judge’s Order: Immediate Relief for International Students
Judge Jeffrey S. White’s order is clear and far-reaching. He wrote that the government’s actions “wreaked havoc not only on the lives of Plaintiffs here but on similarly situated F-1 nonimmigrants across the United States and continues to do so.” The injunction:
- Blocks ICE and other immigration authorities from terminating or revoking international students’ legal status while the lawsuits are ongoing.
- Prevents arrests, detentions, or transfers of affected students outside their current jurisdiction.
- Stops any negative legal consequences or reversal of reinstated status until the court case is resolved.
- Allows exceptions only for students arrested for violent crimes.
This means that, for now, international students who had their status revoked or threatened with revocation can remain in the United States, continue their studies, and avoid the immediate threat of deportation.
Timeline of Key Events
To understand the impact of the federal judge’s order, it’s important to look at how the situation unfolded:
- Late March 2025: ICE begins mass terminations and revocations of international student status.
- April 25–27, 2025: Following legal challenges, many students’ SEVIS records are restored to active status.
- April 28, 2025: A draft of a new ICE policy on SEVIS terminations is revealed in court filings.
- May 16, 2025: ICE sends new warnings to students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) about possible SEVIS terminations.
- May 22, 2025: Judge White issues the nationwide injunction, halting all adverse actions against international students.
What Changed in ICE Policy?
Even as some students saw their status restored, a new ICE policy emerged in late April 2025. This policy gives immigration authorities broad power to terminate a student’s SEVIS record for a wide range of reasons, including:
- “Evidence of failure to comply” with visa rules, a much lower standard than before.
- Visa revocation by the State Department.
- Exceeding allowed unemployment time for OPT students (more than 90 days in a 12-month period).
Previously, ICE needed substantial or “clear and convincing” evidence to terminate a student’s status. The new policy lowers the bar, making it easier for authorities to take action—even for minor or unclear infractions.
Real-Life Impact: Students and Universities in Crisis
The sudden policy changes and mass terminations caused chaos for international students and the universities that support them. Many students:
- Received no explanation or warning before losing their status.
- Faced immediate risk of detention and deportation.
- Went into hiding or left the country out of fear.
- Lost access to campus resources, housing, and employment.
Universities scrambled to notify affected students, provide legal support, and work with immigration attorneys. Jodie Ferise, a higher education attorney, warned that the treatment of international students has caused “tremendous fear” and could damage the global reputation of U.S. higher education. Sarah Spreitzer of the American Council on Education noted a “chilling effect” on international student enrollment.
Due Process and Legal Concerns
Civil liberties groups, including the ACLU, argue that the government’s actions violate basic constitutional rights. Many students were not given a chance to contest the revocation of their status or even told why it happened. Alex Rate, Legal Director at the ACLU, called the court orders “a sharp rebuke of this administration’s lawless targeting of international students.” Zach Heiden of the ACLU of Maine described the policy reversals as “destructive chaos” and an attack on due process.
Immigration attorneys warn that the new ICE policy, if allowed to stand, would let authorities terminate student status “practically at will,” with little recourse for those affected.
OPT Students: Special Risks and New Warnings
Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT)—a program that lets F-1 students work in the U.S. after graduation—are especially vulnerable. ICE has warned that:
- Failure to report employment within 15 days can now result in immediate termination and deportation.
- Exceeding 90 days of unemployment in a 12-month period is grounds for losing legal status.
These rules put extra pressure on OPT students, who must carefully track their employment and report it to their school’s Designated School Official (DSO). For more information about OPT requirements, students can visit the official ICE SEVP OPT page.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Affected Students
If you are an international student concerned about your legal status, here’s what you should do:
- Check Your SEVIS Status: Contact your university’s international student office to confirm your current SEVIS record.
- Seek Legal Help: If you receive a notice of termination or revocation, get immediate legal advice. The ACLU and immigration attorneys can help.
- Contact Your DSO: Your school’s Designated School Official can provide guidance, documentation, and support.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates on the ongoing court cases and any new government policies.
- Report OPT Employment Promptly: If you are on OPT, report your employment within 15 days and do not exceed 90 days of unemployment.
- Keep Records: Save all communications with ICE, DHS, and university officials for your records.
Broader Implications for U.S. Higher Education
The turmoil has raised serious questions about the United States’ ability to attract and retain international talent. Higher education leaders warn that the policy changes and lack of transparency could drive students to choose other countries for their studies. This could have long-term consequences for research, innovation, and the global reputation of U.S. universities.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the uncertainty and abrupt enforcement actions have already led some students to withdraw from U.S. programs or seek opportunities in countries with more stable immigration policies.
Multiple Perspectives: Who’s Saying What?
| Stakeholder | Perspective |
|---|---|
| International Students | Fear, uncertainty, and disruption of studies and careers; some forced to leave the country |
| Universities | Concern over student welfare, institutional reputation, and administrative burden |
| Immigration Attorneys | Alarm at broad ICE powers and lack of due process |
| Federal Government | Asserts need for compliance and national security, but faces criticism for overreach |
| Civil Liberties Orgs | Argue for due process and constitutional protections |
Historical Context: How Did U.S. Policy Change?
Historically, having a visa revoked did not automatically mean a student lost their legal status or had to leave the country. Students could usually remain in the U.S. to finish their studies, even if their visa was canceled. The Trump administration’s actions since March 2025 represent a sharp departure from this norm, with mass terminations often based on minor or unclear reasons.
Multiple lawsuits have challenged these changes, leading to temporary restraining orders and, most recently, the nationwide injunction issued by Judge White.
What Happens Next? Future Outlook
The nationwide injunction will stay in place until the underlying lawsuits are resolved. The outcome could set a major precedent for the rights of international students and the limits of ICE authority. If the new ICE policy is upheld, it could allow for broad and rapid terminations in the future. For now, its implementation is blocked by the court order.
Higher education leaders warn that continued uncertainty could lead to a decline in international student enrollment and lasting damage to the reputation of U.S. institutions.
Where to Get Help and More Information
If you are an international student or work with international students, these resources can help:
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423)
- Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP): https://www.ice.gov/sevis
- ACLU (Legal Assistance): https://www.aclu.org/
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators: https://www.nafsa.org/
- University International Student Offices: Contact your institution’s DSO for case-specific guidance
For official government information on F-1 student requirements and SEVIS, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Student Visa page.
Takeaways and Next Steps
- International students are temporarily protected from status terminations and deportations by a federal judge’s nationwide injunction.
- The situation remains fluid, with ongoing litigation and possible future policy changes.
- Students should stay in close contact with their university’s international office, seek legal help if needed, and carefully follow all reporting requirements.
- Universities and advocates continue to push for clear, fair, and transparent policies that respect the rights of international students.
As the legal battles continue, students, universities, and immigration authorities across the United States will be watching closely for the next developments. The outcome will shape not only the future of international students in the U.S. but also the country’s standing as a destination for global talent.
Learn Today
F-1 Visa → A nonimmigrant visa allowing international students to study at accredited U.S. institutions.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System that tracks international students’ legal status in the U.S.
Injunction → A court order that temporarily stops certain actions or policies until legal disputes are resolved.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) → A program permitting F-1 students to work temporarily in their field after graduation.
Due Process → Legal requirement ensuring fair treatment through the normal judicial system before losing rights or status.
This Article in a Nutshell
A federal judge’s May 2025 order protects thousands of international students from losing status due to aggressive ICE policies. The ruling halts deportations nationwide while lawsuits proceed, offering crucial relief to affected students amid widespread fear and confusion in U.S. universities.
— By VisaVerge.com
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• Huntsville grand jury indicts eight for federal immigration crimes
• Federal grand jury indicts eight for immigration-related crimes in Alabama
• Mahmoud Khalil meets his newborn son in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody
• Immigration courts see rise in arrests by ICE, including in Chicago
• Trump’s Immigration Bill Slaps New Remittance Tax
