In a major win for F-1 students, 133 international students got their legal status back in the US through SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). According to reports out of these, mostly were Indians.
SEVIS is a federal database that holds records for all international students in the US. For the past few months, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have reportedly terminated thousands of these records through this system, in effect making their stay in the US illegal.
Also Read – US Visa Blunder Ruins J-1 Student’s Career
Now, a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) bore fruitful results for Indian students as the Georgia court reinstated their right to continue their studies in the US.
The lawsuit said ICE acted unfairly and tried to force students to “self-deport.” The sad reality is that many succumbed to the pressure and abandoned their dreams, deciding to leave the US amidst this political upheaval.
Also Read – H-1B Stamped, Can You Enter US on F-1 Visa?
This is a much-needed step towards bringing some relief to the students as many are still fighting for their rights in the court. There have been reports of minor cases from other states where a handful of students got temporary relief but nothing as monumental had happened till now.
