At Saluja Law, we stand firmly in support of immigrant rights, due process, and the pursuit of education free from political retaliation. Recent developments stemming from the Trump administration's implementation of Executive Order 14188, which aims to crack down on alleged antisemitism, have instead triggered mass confusion and fear among international students—many of whom now find themselves caught in a bureaucratic and legal nightmare.
What Happened?
In early 2025, the White House began revoking student visas of individuals allegedly connected to pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), using AI-driven surveillance tools, began scanning students' social media for content interpreted as “anti-Israel” or supportive of designated groups. Hundreds of students have since had their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records abruptly terminated.
Despite these actions, DHS is now telling courts that terminating a SEVIS record does not automatically strip a student of their legal status. This contradiction came to a head in a Washington D.C. courtroom, where U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes sharply criticized the government's incoherent policies.
“Kafkaesque” Legal Limbo
In a powerful moment that has since gone viral, Judge Reyes condemned the government's actions as incomprehensible and deeply harmful. She pointed out that seasoned immigration attorneys could no longer advise their clients because even the government couldn't explain whether affected students were in the U.S. legally.
“Now, his two very experienced lawyers can't even tell him whether or not he's here legally, because the court can't tell him whether or not he's here legally, because the government's counsel can't tell him if he's here legally,” Reyes exclaimed during the hearing.
This came after DHS attorneys stated that SEVIS termination doesn't necessarily equate to visa loss—directly contradicting how universities and ICE have been interpreting these actions. In some cases, schools told students to pack their bags and leave the country immediately. Now, those same students are being told they might have been able to stay.
The Bigger Picture
Executive Order 14188, while positioned as a tool against antisemitism, is being criticized for its use as a political bludgeon against student speech. The chilling effect is undeniable: peaceful protests, pamphlet distribution, and even attendance at certain events have become grounds for immigration consequences.
As of now, over 1,500 student visas have reportedly been revoked under this policy. Universities, many of which rely on international students for diversity and tuition revenue, are caught in the crossfire, uncertain how to protect their students—or even how to interpret DHS guidance.
What's Next?
Immigration attorneys, including our team at Saluja Law, are working tirelessly to interpret what little guidance exists, assist affected students, and push back against overreach. Civil rights organizations are preparing legal challenges to the executive order, and universities are re-evaluating their cooperation with ICE and DHS.
We urge Congress and the courts to provide clarity and restraint before more young scholars are unjustly punished. The United States must not allow its immigration policies to be weaponized against peaceful political expression.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by a SEVIS termination or a sudden visa revocation, contact Saluja Law. We are here to fight for your rights and restore the due process that every person on U.S. soil deserves.
Saluja Law Offices, PLLC
Your Voice. Your Rights. Our Fight.
www.salujalaw.com | Charleston, WV | Immigration Law