Key Takeaways
• Over 1,600 student visas revoked and 4,700+ SEVIS records terminated since early 2025 by DHS.
• On April 25, 2025, DOJ temporarily restored thousands of SEVIS records amid court challenges.
• Universities like University of Michigan help affected students amid uncertain federal visa policies.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken major steps in 2025 that have deeply affected foreign students across the United States 🇺🇸. Since early this year, more than 1,600 student visas have been revoked and over 4,700 SEVIS records terminated, impacting students at top universities like the University of Michigan, Arizona State, Cornell, North Carolina State, University of Oregon, University of Texas, University of Colorado, University of Alabama, and Tufts University. These actions have sparked lawsuits, policy changes, and widespread concern among students, universities, and legal experts.
What Happened: DHS Actions and Their Impact
The DHS, which oversees the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), has the authority to track and manage the legal status of international students in the United States 🇺🇸. When a SEVIS record is terminated, a student’s lawful status ends immediately. This means the student could be detained or removed from the country without warning. In many recent cases, neither the students nor their universities received any advance notice.
Visa revocations, on the other hand, are handled by the U.S. Department of State. When a student visa is revoked, the student is usually told directly. However, the recent wave of SEVIS terminations by DHS often happened quietly, leaving students and schools in the dark. This lack of communication has led to confusion, fear, and legal uncertainty for thousands of foreign students.
Legal Challenges and Temporary Relief
As the number of revoked student visas and terminated SEVIS records grew, students and advocacy groups began filing lawsuits. They argued that the government’s actions violated basic rights, including the right to due process (fair treatment under the law), free speech, and rules that require the government to follow proper procedures.
On April 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) responded in court by announcing a temporary restoration of thousands of SEVIS records that had been terminated. The DOJ explained that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is part of DHS, is working on a new policy to guide how SEVIS records are terminated. Until this policy is finished, affected students’ SEVIS records will stay active or be reactivated. This move has given some relief to students, but the situation remains uncertain.
How SEVIS Terminations Affect Foreign Students
SEVIS is a government system that tracks international students’ legal status in the United States 🇺🇸. When a SEVIS record is terminated:
- The student’s legal status ends immediately.
- The student may face detention or removal (deportation).
- There is often no warning or chance to contest the decision.
- The student’s ability to study, work, or stay in the country is lost.
In the past, if a student’s visa was revoked, it did not always mean they had to leave the country right away. They could stay and finish their studies but would need a new visa to re-enter if they left. Now, with SEVIS terminations, students lose their legal status instantly, even if their visa is still valid.
The University of Michigan Example
The University of Michigan is one of many schools affected by these changes. In late April 2025, DHS reinstated the SEVIS records of 25 students (14 enrolled and 11 recent graduates) after they were terminated earlier in the year. The university has over 7,700 international students and nearly 2,500 recent international graduates who are legally staying in the United States 🇺🇸 for professional training. The university’s International Center is closely watching the situation and helping students understand their options.
Why Did This Happen? Policy Changes and Criticism
The recent actions by DHS and the Department of State are part of a broader crackdown on foreign students. Since early 2025, the government has been revoking visas and terminating SEVIS records for reasons that are sometimes unclear or unrelated to student conduct. Some terminations have been linked to minor rule violations, while others have no clear explanation.
Critics say the government’s approach lacks transparency and fairness. Many students and universities were not told about the terminations until after they happened. There was no clear process for students to challenge the decisions or explain their side. This has raised serious concerns about due process and the government’s responsibility to treat people fairly.
The Role of Federal Agencies
Several government agencies are involved in these actions:
- DHS (Department of Homeland Security): Manages SEVIS and has the power to terminate records.
- ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): Enforces immigration laws and is developing new policies for SEVIS terminations.
- Department of State: Issues and revokes student visas.
- Department of Justice: Handles lawsuits and is overseeing the development of new policies.
Each agency has a different role, but together they control the legal status of foreign students in the United States 🇺🇸.
How Universities Are Responding
Universities across the country are working hard to support their international students. Many schools, like the University of Michigan, have international student offices that monitor SEVIS records and help students understand their status. These offices provide guidance, connect students with legal help, and keep them informed about policy changes.
Universities have also voiced concerns about the lack of communication from the government. They worry about the impact on their international student communities, who contribute to campus life, research, and the local economy.
Students and Advocacy Groups Fight Back
International students and legal advocacy groups have taken legal action to protect students’ rights. They argue that the government must provide clear reasons for visa revocations and SEVIS terminations, give students a chance to respond, and follow fair procedures.
The lawsuits have led to some temporary victories, such as the restoration of SEVIS records in April 2025. However, students and advocates say more needs to be done to ensure lasting protections and clear rules.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Immigration lawyers point out that while the government has the power to revoke visas and terminate SEVIS records, it must follow the law. This includes giving people notice, explaining the reasons for actions, and allowing them to challenge decisions. The temporary restoration of SEVIS records is seen as a step in the right direction, but experts say a permanent, transparent policy is needed.
Historical Context: How Things Have Changed
In the past, losing a visa did not always mean losing the right to stay in the United States 🇺🇸. Students could remain and finish their studies, as long as their SEVIS record stayed active. The recent changes mean that losing a SEVIS record now ends a student’s legal status immediately, even if their visa is still valid.
Since early 2025, the government has expanded its efforts to revoke visas and terminate SEVIS records, sometimes for reasons unrelated to student behavior. The lack of warning and sudden loss of status have caused alarm among students, universities, and legal experts.
What’s Next? Future Policy and Legal Developments
ICE is expected to release a new policy in the coming months that will explain when and how SEVIS records can be terminated. This policy should include clear criteria and steps that must be followed, giving students more protection and transparency.
Court cases may also shape how the government can use its power to revoke visas and terminate SEVIS records. Universities and advocacy groups are likely to keep pushing for stronger protections and clearer rules to help foreign students feel safe and secure in the United States 🇺🇸.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Affected Students
If you are a foreign student worried about your visa or SEVIS status, here’s what you should do:
- Check for Notification:
You may or may not get a direct message if your visa is revoked or your SEVIS record is terminated. Sometimes, your university will find out first through SEVIS monitoring. -
Verify Your Status:
Contact your university’s international student office or use the SEVP portal to check your SEVIS status. The SEVP portal is an online tool for students to view their records. -
Get Legal Help:
If you learn that your visa has been revoked or your SEVIS record terminated, talk to an immigration lawyer right away. They can explain your rights and help you understand your options. -
Seek University Support:
Your university’s international student office can offer guidance, connect you with resources, and help you communicate with government agencies. -
Consider Appeals or Lawsuits:
Some students have been able to challenge the government’s actions in court or through appeals. Legal help is important for this step. -
Follow Official Instructions:
If DHS or ICE gives you instructions, follow them carefully to avoid removal (deportation) proceedings. -
Stay Informed:
Keep up with official announcements from DHS, ICE, and the Department of State. Policies are changing, and new information may affect your situation.
For more information about SEVIS and your rights as a foreign student, visit the official ICE SEVIS page.
Official Resources for Foreign Students
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SEVP:
ICE SEVIS
Phone: 703-603-3400 (SEVP Response Center) -
U.S. Department of State Visa Services:
U.S. Visas -
University International Student Offices:
Contact your school’s international student center for help and support. -
Legal Aid and Advocacy Groups:
Organizations like the Immigration Forum and local legal aid clinics can provide advice and assistance.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Foreign Students
The biggest impact is on students’ ability to study, work, and live in the United States 🇺🇸. Losing a SEVIS record or having a visa revoked can mean having to leave the country immediately, losing tuition money, and missing out on educational and career opportunities. The lack of clear rules and warning makes it hard for students to plan their futures.
For Universities
Universities rely on international students for their academic and cultural contributions. Sudden changes in visa or SEVIS status can disrupt classes, research, and campus life. Schools must spend more time and resources helping students deal with these challenges.
For Federal Agencies
DHS, ICE, and the Department of State must balance national security and immigration control with the need to treat students fairly. The recent lawsuits and policy changes show that agencies are under pressure to create clearer, more transparent rules.
For Legal and Advocacy Groups
Lawyers and advocacy organizations play a key role in protecting students’ rights. They help students understand their options, challenge unfair decisions, and push for better policies.
The Road Ahead: What Foreign Students Should Watch For
The coming months will be important for foreign students in the United States 🇺🇸. ICE is expected to release a new policy that will explain how SEVIS terminations work and what protections students have. Court decisions may also change how the government can use its powers.
Students should stay in close contact with their universities, check their SEVIS status regularly, and seek legal help if they have concerns. Universities and advocacy groups will keep fighting for fair treatment and clear rules.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing legal and policy battles highlight the need for a stable, transparent system that protects the rights of foreign students while allowing the government to enforce immigration laws.
Final Thoughts and Practical Steps
If you are a foreign student in the United States 🇺🇸, the current situation may feel uncertain and stressful. Remember:
- Check your SEVIS status often.
- Stay in touch with your university’s international student office.
- Seek legal help if you receive any notice about your visa or SEVIS record.
- Follow official instructions and stay informed about policy changes.
For the latest updates and official information, visit the ICE SEVIS page.
The situation is changing, but by staying informed and seeking help when needed, foreign students can better protect their rights and continue their studies in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
DHS → Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. agency managing immigration enforcement and SEVIS records.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System tracks foreign students’ legal status in the U.S.
SEVIS Termination → An action ending a student’s lawful status immediately by canceling their SEVIS record.
Visa Revocation → Official cancellation of a student visa by the U.S. Department of State.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a DHS division enforcing immigration laws and policies.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, DHS revoked over 1,600 student visas and terminated 4,700 SEVIS records, causing confusion. Lawsuits led DOJ to restore some status, offering temporary relief. Universities support students navigating complex, unclear policies amid ongoing legal and policy developments for foreign students in the U.S.
— By VisaVerge.com
