Student Visa Cancellation Walked Back by Trump Administration
Friday, April 25th, 2025: The Department of Justice has announced that the immigration records of international students whose student visas had been abruptly terminated will now be reinstated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
International students must maintain an active SEVIS record throughout their stay in the U.S. to stay in valid legal status. A SEVIS record deactivation effectively meant thousands of international students were no longer in lawful nonimmigrant status and could be deported.
Earlier this year, the Trump Administration terminated the legal status of 1,200 international students. This unexpected policy deactivated the records of students in Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) based on minor or previously dismissed infractions. For weeks, the policy has created confusion, uncertainty, protests, and courtroom battles.
While there is still uncertainty about the path for students moving forward, the abrupt walk back by the Trump Administration– while unexplained – is a step in the right direction that offers relief to thousands of international students studying in the United States.
Why were student visas canceled in the first place?
In early 2025, the U.S. government initiated a policy change that affected approximately 1,200 international students. These students’ records were deactivated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) — the official government system that manages data for non-citizens studying in the United States.
The cancellations were linked to a review of students’ compliance with visa rules. Officials stated that the affected students had records indicating minor infractions, administrative discrepancies, or technical violations. Some of the most common issues included:
- Delays in course registration updates
- Incomplete reporting of changes to a student’s academic program
- Minor paperwork errors either by students or school officials
In many cases, these were not new violations but issues that had previously been addressed or dismissed. However, under the new enforcement approach, these records were re-evaluated, and student statuses were terminated without offering an opportunity to correct or appeal the findings before action was taken.
This shift caused significant confusion among students and universities. Many students suddenly found themselves at risk of being out of legal status, which could potentially lead to deportation or difficulty continuing their education. Educational institutions also reported challenges in navigating the sudden changes and advising their international student populations accordingly.
For example, a student at Carnegie Mellon University purportedly had his record terminated because of a 2023 DUI accusation that had been dismissed and never led to a conviction. A Ph.D. student at Brigham Young University had his visa revoked just one year before graduation due to a citation for fishing that was later dismissed in court. Neither student received any explanations nor were they given any opportunity to make their case before the revocations.
Why the Administration Changed Course
On April 25, 2025, the Department of Justice announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would reinstate the immigration records of the students affected by the earlier cancellations.
Several factors contributed to this decision:
- Legal Challenges: Universities, advocacy groups, and affected individuals filed lawsuits questioning the legality and fairness of the abrupt cancellations. Some legal experts argued that terminating visas without warning or the chance to correct errors violated due process rights.
- Public and Institutional Response: Many universities and educational organizations publicly voiced concern about the policy’s impact on students’ lives and the broader international perception of U.S. higher education. There were also peaceful protests and advocacy efforts organized by students and civil rights groups.
- Operational Complexity: Implementing the visa cancellations created substantial logistical and administrative challenges, both for immigration authorities and educational institutions trying to assist affected students.
- International and Economic Considerations: International students contribute significantly to U.S. research, innovation, and the economy. Concerns were raised that policy instability could deter future students from choosing American institutions, impacting universities and related industries.
What This Means for Students Today
The reinstatement announcement is a major development for the affected students, but there are still important details students should be aware of.
Reinstatement of SEVIS Records
Immigration authorities have stated that they will reactivate the affected students’ SEVIS records. This means:
- Students are once again recognized as being “in status.”
- Students can continue their studies without immediate fear of deportation.
- Eligibility for on-campus employment and academic benefits linked to visa status is restored.
Practical Next Steps for Students
- Check Your SEVIS Status: Students should verify with their designated school officials (DSOs) that their records have been corrected in SEVIS.
- Communicate with University Advisors: Schools’ international student offices are typically the first point of contact and can confirm updated statuses and help with any paperwork.
- Stay Updated on Further Guidance: While the broad decision has been announced, students should stay informed through official channels in case there are additional instructions or clarifications from ICE or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
For now, students are encouraged to maintain close communication with their institutions and keep careful records of their visa status, coursework, and communications with immigration authorities. Several universities have reported visas starting to be reinstated but it may take time for all 1,200 SEVIS records to be updated and reactivated.
