Washington, Apr 30 (AP) — A controversial new policy by the US government has terminated the legal status of thousands of international students, causing widespread fear, confusion, and legal battles across the country.
Court filings have revealed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), targeted international students by cross-checking their names against the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) — a database that includes individuals with even minor infractions, unresolved cases, or dropped charges.
Many students learned their SEVIS records (the database used to track legal student visa status) had been terminated without warning, leaving them vulnerable to detention or deportation. Some students went into hiding or returned to their home countries in panic.
Visa Revocation Now Grounds for Deportation
According to legal experts, the new policy marks a significant shift. Immigration attorney Brad Banias stated, “This gives ICE unchecked power to revoke visas and deport students, even when no actual crime has been committed.”
For instance, student Akshar Patel, studying Information Systems in Texas, had his status terminated due to a past reckless driving charge that was later dropped. Despite this, he was included in a spreadsheet of 734 students flagged through NCIC. Within 24 hours, officials requested that all flagged students be removed from SEVIS.
Judicial Rebuke and Temporary Relief
US District Judge Ana Reyes criticized the government’s actions, stating, “All of this could have been avoided if someone had taken a beat.” She highlighted the lack of individual case review and the alarming speed of status cancellations.
While the DHS claims the terminations were only “investigative red flags,” not formal removals, the impact has been very real. Colleges were left unsure of students’ legal standing and warned them against continuing their classes or employment.
Current Status and What’s Next
After mounting legal pressure, the US government has temporarily restored the legal status of many affected students and is now working on a clearer policy framework. However, the future remains uncertain for thousands, with ongoing court hearings and possible settlements expected.
Stay tuned for more updates on immigration, international education, and global policy changes.
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