F-1 Horror: SEVIS Transfer Forces Self-Deportation

An Indian student, who had a valid F-1 visa until 2028, has chosen self-deportation after his SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record was unexpectedly terminated following a transfer.

Taking to social media, the student’s sibling revealed that he is currently held at the El Paso Processing Center after choosing voluntary deportation. At 4 AM, officers allegedly woke him up and informed him he was being sent to India.

There was no warning, no legal hearing, and no official update to his family as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) still lists him as “in custody.”

What makes this worse is that the student is not an illegal immigrant. He had transferred his course credits to a new college and was trying to fix his SEVIS status.

But in the current climate of mass deportations and lightning-fast removals, none of that seems to matter. With his SEVIS set to terminate on July 19, he felt he had no choice but to leave.

It’s a terrifying reminder that even those with valid documents aren’t safe anymore. While Trump promises $1000 for self-deporting individuals, it doesn’t promise respectful and transparent procedure from authorities as seen in this case.