Across the United States, hundreds of international students are waking up to find that their legal immigration status has been revoked—without warning, explanation, or due process. What started as a trickle of isolated cases in early April has turned into a full-blown crisis, affecting at least 790 students at over 120 institutions, with many more potentially caught in the crosshairs.

At Saluja Law, we are deeply concerned by this sweeping federal crackdown, which appears to target students for minor infractions—or no infractions at all—and bypasses standard legal protections. The repercussions have been immediate, devastating, and for many, terrifying.

What's Happening?

International students—many of whom are pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate degrees—have reported abrupt visa revocations or terminations of their F-1 student status. Others, in the U.S. under Optional Practical Training (OPT), are discovering that their work authorization is no longer valid. These individuals include Ph.D. candidates, future faculty members, and STEM graduates employed in critical U.S. industries.

Colleges first learned of the terminations not from government communications, but by discovering changes in the federal SEVIS database maintained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Typically, status changes occur only after a school notifies the government of a student's departure or ineligibility. This time, DHS acted unilaterally, without notifying students or institutions.

Legal Fallout and Lack of Transparency

Many students were informed via brief emails from their universities. The justification? A vague reference to visa revocation or background checks. But according to lawsuits now filed in multiple federal courts, affected students weren't charged with crimes—some merely had parking tickets or administrative oversights. Others had no known infractions at all.

In a significant development, federal judges in New Hampshire and Wisconsin have issued temporary restraining orders to protect students from arrest or deportation while their cases proceed. These decisions mark a critical pushback against what immigration attorneys are calling a violation of constitutional due process.

“This is a targeted assault on a vulnerable population,” said one attorney representing over a dozen students. “These young people are following the law, studying, contributing to U.S. institutions—and now they're being swept up in an arbitrary purge.”

A Dangerous Shift in Policy

Experts say the sudden policy change marks a departure from long-standing norms. In the wake of 9/11, immigration enforcement around students became more centralized and aggressive, but never to this extent or opacity. Now, without formal charges or hearings, students are being advised to self-deport—or risk arrest.

The State Department has not offered clear answers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously cited national security concerns, including foreign nationals protesting Israel's war in Gaza. But the mass cancellations seem far broader in scope and include students with no political activity or criminal history.

As of now, the Departments of Homeland Security and State have not publicly commented on the situation.

What Students Should Know

At Saluja Law, we advise international students facing status revocation to:

• Avoid panic—but do not ignore changes to your status.

• Contact an immigration attorney immediately.

• Do not travel internationally or accept new employment without guidance.

• Document all communications with your school and government databases (e.g., SEVIS).

• Retain proof of enrollment, academic standing, and legal compliance.

We also recommend carrying identification and immigration paperwork, especially for those in high-surveillance areas or near ports of entry.

Final Thoughts

This is not merely a procedural issue—it's a humanitarian and legal emergency. International students contribute nearly $40 billion to the U.S. economy annually and enrich campuses nationwide with their talent, perspective, and innovation. To target them with vague accusations and opaque enforcement mechanisms is a betrayal of American values and legal standards.

Saluja Law remains committed to fighting for the rights of international students and holding the government accountable for upholding due process.

If you or someone you know has been affected, contact our office immediately for legal assistance. You are not alone—and you have rights.