US Government Expands Grounds for Terminating International Students’ Legal Status

The U.S. government has introduced a new policy that significantly broadens the criteria under which international students can lose their legal immigration status. Previously, students whose visas were revoked could remain in the U.S. to complete their studies but would be barred from re-entry if they left the country. Under the new guidelines, a revoked visa is now grounds for immediate termination of legal status, even if the student has not violated any laws.

This policy change has led to widespread confusion and fear among international students. Many have reported sudden removal from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), with some going into hiding or abandoning their studies to avoid deportation. Legal experts argue that the new guidelines grant Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the State Department excessive authority, potentially leading to unjust deportations based on minor infractions or even unsubstantiated claims.