F-1 Students Fight Back: US Courts Restore SEVIS

Hundreds of international students on F-1 visas are suddenly being hit with SEVIS terminations. Their legal status and future in the US have been stripped over old issues like DUI and other minor charges from years ago.

Now, in the latest updates from immigration attorneys, courts are stepping in to help F-1 students. On April 16, a judge in Los Angeles issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to protect one student’s SEVIS status.

In Washington DC, two more TROs followed on the same day. One judge even called the government’s explanation “Kafkaesque” and demanded clarity.

The judge noted the absurdity of these terminations— now, neither the government, the lawyers, nor the court can tell a student if he is in the US legally or not.

The court in DC has further ordered the government counsel to take all steps to reinstate the student’s SEVIS records as soon as possible and should not wait for a written order.

Getting TROs is a major win for F-1 students who can continue their stay legally in the country. The next big hearing related to this case is on April 29, when courts will decide whether to offer longer-term protection to the student.

Many F-1 visa holders have already been deported or left on their own as a result of this crackdown. This decision from LA and the national capital should set a precedent for all the students fighting for their rights throughout the country.