Nigerian students and other international students in the United States 🇺🇸 now face a real risk of visa revocations if they miss classes or fail to keep their student status. As of August 5, 2025, the U.S. government has started enforcing stricter rules, leading to mass SEVIS record terminations and new limits on student visa issuance.
Widespread Visa and SEVIS Record Revocations
In early 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began revoking SEVIS records for more than 1,800 international students, including many Nigerians. SEVIS, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is the official database that tracks international students’ status in the United States 🇺🇸. ICE used an automated system to flag students for minor issues, such as missing a class, having a parking ticket, or even charges that were later dropped. These actions often happened without warning or a chance for students to explain themselves.
Many students suddenly found their SEVIS records terminated and their visas revoked. Without an active SEVIS record, students risk being placed in removal (deportation) proceedings. The lack of due process—meaning students did not get a fair chance to defend themselves—caused confusion and fear across campuses.
Policy Changes and New SEVIS Termination Rules
After strong criticism from universities and legal experts, the government reversed some SEVIS terminations in late April 2025, restoring active status for certain students. However, a new policy draft soon followed, making it even easier for officials to terminate SEVIS records. Now, simply failing to follow student visa rules—such as missing classes, working too many hours, or having a gap in status—can lead to immediate SEVIS termination and visa revocation.
The new rules also allow the State Department to revoke visas right away, even before a full investigation. Officials no longer need strong proof; just not following the rules is enough. This marks a big change from past practice, where more evidence was needed before taking such serious steps.
Legal Authority and Limits
The U.S. government has wide power to revoke student visas, a right confirmed by the Supreme Court in the 2024 case Bouarfa v. Mayorkas. Visa revocations have been used against students involved in protests or those accused of minor offenses, often under the claim of national security. However, ending a SEVIS record still requires some legal reason. Losing SEVIS status does not always mean a student is immediately out of status, but it does put them at risk of being removed from the country.
Harvard University-Specific Actions
On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued Proclamation 10948, which stopped the issuance of new F, M, and J visas for Harvard University students. The order also told the Secretary of State to consider revoking visas for current Harvard students, citing national security concerns about the university’s foreign connections. This order is set to last six months but is currently blocked by a federal court while legal challenges continue.
Global Suspension of New Student Visa Appointments
Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a worldwide stop to new student visa interviews starting May 27, 2025. This means new applicants, including many Nigerians, cannot schedule interviews to get F, M, or J visas. The government also increased social media checks and security screenings, especially for students from countries considered “high-risk.” Chinese students have faced aggressive visa revocations, showing that the crackdown is not limited to one group.
What This Means for Nigerian and Other International Students
- Missing classes or not following visa rules can now lead to SEVIS termination and visa revocations.
- Visa revocations can happen without warning or a chance to appeal.
- New visa applicants face long delays because of suspended interviews and tougher checks.
- Students with revoked SEVIS records may face removal, even if their lawful status does not end right away.
- Universities and Designated School Officials (DSOs) are being told to help affected students restore their status or find other options.
Expert and Stakeholder Reactions
Immigration lawyers warn that these new policies create fear and uncertainty for international students. “We are seeing students lose their visas for very minor issues, with no chance to explain or fix the problem,” said one legal expert. Advocacy groups are calling for Congress to step in and make sure students’ rights are protected.
Universities are also struggling. They could lose many international students, face lawsuits, and suffer damage to their reputations. Harvard’s ongoing court case is just one example of the legal battles now unfolding.
Practical Steps for Affected Students
If you are a Nigerian student or any international student in the United States 🇺🇸, here are steps you should take:
- Contact your university’s DSO right away if you get a notice about SEVIS termination or visa revocation. DSOs can help you understand your options and may be able to help restore your status.
- Seek legal advice from a lawyer who knows about student visas and immigration law. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a good place to start.
- Check your SEVIS status often through your school’s international student office. Make sure your information is correct and up to date.
- If you are applying for a new visa, check the U.S. embassy or consulate website for updates on interview appointments and be ready for more security checks.
- Stay informed about court cases and policy changes that could affect your status. Your school’s international office and trusted news sources can help.
Official Resources
For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Services page. You can also find details about the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at ICE’s SEVIS page. If you need legal help, the American Immigration Lawyers Association offers resources and referrals.
Background and Broader Impact
The recent focus on visa revocations and SEVIS record terminations has made life much harder for Nigerian students and others studying in the United States 🇺🇸. Many students now worry about losing their status for small mistakes or misunderstandings. The new rules also make it harder for new students to come to the United States 🇺🇸, as visa interviews are suspended and security checks are tougher.
Universities depend on international students for their diverse perspectives and financial support. Losing these students could hurt both the schools and the wider community. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes have already led to mass visa revocations, suspended visa issuance, and increased enforcement, all with limited due process.
Looking Ahead
The situation remains uncertain. Students, universities, and legal experts are watching court cases and waiting for possible changes in policy. For now, the best advice is to stay informed, follow all visa rules closely, and seek help right away if you face problems with your SEVIS record or visa status.
By taking quick action and using official resources, Nigerian students and others can better protect their status and plan for their future in the United States 🇺🇸.
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