In a significant legal development, the Trump administration has reversed its mass termination of student visa registrations for thousands of foreign students studying in the United States—an action that had thrown many into a state of uncertainty, fear, and legal limbo.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the reversal in federal court on Friday, after facing mounting pressure from judges across the country who deemed the government's actions “flagrantly illegal.” Courts issued dozens of restraining orders blocking the termination of student visa records, and more than 100 lawsuits were filed by affected students who suddenly found themselves unable to attend classes, conduct research, or graduate—sometimes just weeks before completing their degrees.

What Happened?

Earlier this month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had terminated the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records of thousands of students based largely on minor—or even dismissed—legal infractions. These SEVIS records are vital: they confirm a student's legal presence and status in the United States. Without an active SEVIS record, a student risks falling out of legal status and faces potential deportation.

Many of the infractions cited were petty misdemeanors or charges that had been formally dismissed, yet the government moved forward with widespread terminations. In many cases, universities were forced to bar these students from attending classes or conducting research.

Judicial Pushback

The response from the judiciary was swift and pointed. Judges in over 50 cases spanning 23 states ordered the administration to temporarily undo the actions, with dozens more poised to do the same. Judges expressed frustration not only with the arbitrary nature of the terminations but also with the government's reluctance to clarify whether the impacted students could legally remain in the country.

This overwhelming legal backlash ultimately forced the Trump administration's hand.

What Happens Now?

The DOJ confirmed that ICE will no longer terminate SEVIS records solely based on results of criminal history checks that flagged minor offenses or dismissed cases. Moreover, ICE is developing a formal policy to govern the circumstances under which SEVIS records can be terminated moving forward.

Until the new policy is issued:

• All affected SEVIS records will remain active or will be reactivated if they were previously terminated.

• ICE will not modify student records based solely on National Crime Information Center (NCIC) findings related to minor or dismissed charges.

However, ICE retains the authority to terminate SEVIS records for other reasons—such as students failing to maintain their nonimmigrant status or committing offenses that make them removable under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Questions Remain

While this reversal is a major victory, uncertainty lingers regarding the status of the actual visas issued by the State Department. Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio initiated mass cancellations of student visas for individuals allegedly engaged in pro-Palestinian activism. It is not yet clear whether the State Department will similarly reverse the broader wave of visa cancellations that affected students with minor legal infractions.

When asked for comment, both ICE and the State Department declined to respond.

Moving Forward

At Saluja Law, we are relieved that the courts intervened to protect the rights of international students who were unfairly swept up in this mass action. These students contribute immeasurably to the academic, cultural, and economic vitality of the United States. Targeting them for minor infractions—many of which courts had already dismissed—was not only unjust but deeply damaging to America's standing as a global leader in education.

We will continue to monitor developments closely, especially regarding any new policies from ICE or potential reversals from the State Department. If you or someone you know has been affected by visa issues or SEVIS terminations, please contact Saluja Law immediately for assistance.

We are committed to defending the rights of immigrants and ensuring that due process and fairness remain cornerstones of our immigration system.