Key Takeaways
• In 2025, ICE revoked hundreds of international students’ visas, including 21 in the SUNY system by April.
• Students have 15 days to leave the U.S. after visa revocation or face arrest and deportation.
• Protests linked to Palestine and Gaza led to some visa revocations and legal challenges at Columbia University.
On college campuses across New York, international students face growing uncertainty as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) steps up enforcement actions in 2025. In recent months, ICE has detained and started deportation proceedings against dozens of students, including several from the State University of New York (SUNY) system. While rumors have circulated about a Colombian SUNY student detained with her mother, as of July 10, 2025, no official reports confirm such a case. Still, the broader trend of increased ICE activity and visa revocations has left many students and their families anxious about their future in the United States 🇺🇸.
Widespread Visa Revocations and Detentions in 2025
Since early 2025, the U.S. government has revoked or terminated the visas of hundreds of international students. This wave of enforcement has hit New York universities especially hard. At least 21 students across the SUNY system lost their visas by April 2025. Stony Brook University reported 11 students whose visas were terminated in April. At the University at Buffalo, 13 F-1 visa holders—including four current students and nine recent graduates—lost their status in early April. Binghamton University confirmed at least five students affected, while Cornell University reported 17 SEVIS terminations, including both current students and recent graduates.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE have cited a range of reasons for these actions. Some students lost their visas due to criminal convictions, while others were targeted for participating in protest activities, especially those related to Gaza solidarity or pro-Palestinian causes. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this marks a sharp shift in how student visa holders are treated, with the government taking a much tougher stance on any perceived violations.
Policy Changes and the Trump Administration’s Approach
The Trump administration’s approach in 2025 has been clear: a zero-tolerance policy for noncitizens, including student visa holders, who break U.S. laws or are seen as threats to national security. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in May that the U.S. would “aggressively” revoke visas for students from certain countries, especially China, and for those involved in activities the government sees as threatening to U.S. interests.
This policy shift has led to a dramatic increase in visa revocations and deportation proceedings. ICE agents have detained students during or after immigration hearings, especially if they are found to be out of status or have pending removal orders. The message from the administration is clear: any violation, no matter how small, can lead to serious consequences, including arrest and deportation.
High-Profile Cases and Legal Battles
Several high-profile cases have drawn national attention. At Columbia University, Yunseo Chung, a Korean national and green card holder, is fighting deportation after ICE targeted her for alleged involvement in pro-Hamas protests. A federal judge temporarily blocked her deportation in late May, highlighting the legal complexity and high stakes involved. Another Columbia student, Mahmoud Khalil, also had his deportation blocked by a judge on constitutional grounds.
While there have been multiple reports of SUNY students facing visa revocation and possible deportation, there is no confirmed case specifically involving a Colombian SUNY student detained with her mother in 2025. Still, the fear and confusion caused by these enforcement actions are very real for many international students and their families.
Immediate Consequences for Students
When ICE revokes a student’s F-1 visa, the consequences are swift. Students usually have just 15 days to leave the United States 🇺🇸. If they overstay, they risk arrest and forced deportation. Some students have been detained by ICE during or after immigration hearings, especially if they are found to be out of status or have pending removal orders.
The process is stressful and confusing. Many students are unsure of their rights or what steps to take next. The fear of being separated from family members, losing years of hard work, or being sent back to a country they may not have lived in for years weighs heavily on their minds.
Legal and Institutional Support for Affected Students
SUNY campuses have responded by providing legal guidance and support to affected students. This includes referrals to the New York State Office for New Americans and private immigration attorneys. SUNY Chancellor John King and campus presidents have publicly expressed concern, emphasizing the importance of international students to U.S. higher education and promising to monitor the situation closely.
Students facing deportation have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge. They can also file lawsuits challenging the government’s actions, especially if they believe their constitutional rights—such as free speech or due process—have been violated. In some cases, judges have granted temporary restraining orders to block deportation while legal proceedings continue.
How ICE Actions Affect International Students and Their Families
The impact of these enforcement actions goes far beyond the students themselves. Families are often caught in the middle, especially when parents or siblings are also in the United States 🇺🇸 on dependent visas. The threat of deportation can mean sudden separation, financial hardship, and the loss of educational and career opportunities.
For example, if a student’s visa is revoked and their parent is in the U.S. as a dependent, both may face removal proceedings. This creates a ripple effect, disrupting not only the student’s life but also the stability of the entire family. The fear of ICE action has led some families to avoid public events, limit their travel, and even consider returning home voluntarily to avoid forced removal.
Chilling Effect on International Enrollment
The uncertainty and aggressive enforcement have created a climate of fear among international students. Many are now reconsidering their plans to study in the United States 🇺🇸. SUNY officials and higher education leaders warn that these policies threaten the country’s reputation as a global leader in education. They also point out the potential economic impact, as international students contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year.
Some students have already decided to transfer to universities in Canada 🇨🇦, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, or Australia 🇦🇺, where they feel safer and more welcome. Others are telling friends and family back home to think twice before applying to U.S. schools.
Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom Concerns
Many critics argue that targeting students for protest activity is an attack on constitutionally protected speech and academic freedom. Legal experts and advocacy groups are closely watching these cases and preparing to challenge policies they see as discriminatory or too broad.
For instance, several lawsuits are now in progress, with students arguing that their participation in peaceful protests should not be grounds for visa revocation or deportation. Judges have already blocked some deportations on constitutional grounds, and more legal challenges are expected in the coming months.
Practical Steps for SUNY International Students Facing ICE Action
If you are an international student at SUNY or another New York university and you receive notice of visa revocation or ICE action, here are some important steps to take:
1. Contact Campus International Student Services (ISS):
– Notify your campus ISS office immediately. They can provide guidance, connect you with legal resources, and help you understand your options.
2. Seek Legal Counsel:
– Find a qualified immigration attorney as soon as possible. Your campus may have referrals, or you can contact the New York State Office for New Americans for help.
3. Monitor Your SEVIS Status:
– Regularly check your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records. Keep all documents related to your visa status, academic standing, and any legal proceedings.
4. Know Your Rights:
– You have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge. You can also challenge removal orders in court. Learn more about your rights and the immigration court process on the U.S. Department of Justice’s EOIR website.
5. Access Support Resources:
– Use mental health, legal, and academic support services offered by SUNY and the New York State Office for New Americans. These resources can help you cope with stress and make informed decisions.
Official Contacts and Resources
- SUNY International Student Support:
Visit SUNY International Student Resources for information and campus-specific contacts. - New York State Office for New Americans:
Offers legal assistance and support for immigrants and students facing deportation. - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):
For case status and legal procedures, call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
Legal Forms and Procedures
If you are placed in removal proceedings, you may need to complete certain immigration forms. For example, the Notice to Appear (Form I-862) is the official document that starts removal proceedings. You can find the current version of Form I-862 on the USCIS website.
If you wish to challenge your removal or apply for relief, you may need to file Form EOIR-42B (Application for Cancellation of Removal and Adjustment of Status for Certain Nonpermanent Residents). The official form is available here.
Future Outlook and Ongoing Legal Challenges
Several lawsuits are ongoing, and further court rulings may clarify or limit the scope of ICE enforcement against student protesters and others. The current “pause” on student visa appointments and ongoing visa revocations may be temporary or could signal a longer-term shift in U.S. policy toward international students.
Higher education leaders, legal experts, and advocacy groups are expected to keep challenging restrictive policies and supporting affected students. The outcome of these legal battles will shape the future for thousands of international students in the United States 🇺🇸.
What This Means for the SUNY Community
For the SUNY community, these developments have created a sense of urgency. University leaders are working to reassure students and families, while also pushing for clearer policies and better protections. Many campuses are expanding legal aid, mental health support, and outreach to ensure that international students know their rights and have access to help.
At the same time, students are organizing, sharing information, and building networks of support. Some are working with advocacy groups to push for policy changes at the state and national level.
Actionable Takeaways for Students and Families
- Stay Informed:
Follow updates from your campus ISS office and trusted news sources. Policy changes can happen quickly, so it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities. - Document Everything:
Keep copies of all immigration documents, correspondence with ICE, and records of your academic status. -
Build a Support Network:
Connect with other international students, legal aid organizations, and advocacy groups. You are not alone, and there are people ready to help. -
Plan for Different Scenarios:
Talk with your family and legal counsel about your options if you face visa revocation or deportation. Having a plan can reduce stress and help you make better decisions.
Conclusion
While there is no confirmed case of a Colombian SUNY student detained with her mother as of July 10, 2025, the larger picture is clear: ICE enforcement actions, visa revocations, and deportation proceedings are affecting many international students at SUNY and other New York universities. The situation remains fluid, with legal challenges and policy debates ongoing. Students and families should remain alert, seek immediate support if affected, and use all available resources to protect their rights and futures in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportation.
F-1 Visa → Student visa allowing international students to study legally in the U.S. with specific restrictions.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, tracking international students’ immigration status in the U.S.
Visa Revocation → Official cancellation of a visa, forcing the holder to leave the country within a set timeframe.
Removal Proceedings → Legal process in immigration court to determine if a noncitizen must be deported from the U.S.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting 2025, ICE has aggressively revoked many student visas in New York, creating fear among international students facing quick deportation risks. SUNY universities offer support while legal battles continue. Students must act fast and know their rights to avoid separation and legal consequences amid increasing immigration enforcement tensions.
— By VisaVerge.com
