Lawyers Unite as International Students Face Visa Termination Crisis

News Summary

International students in the U.S. are reeling from sudden visa terminations, leading to chaos in their academic lives. Anjan Roy, a graduate in computer science, has joined a lawsuit after the abrupt revocation of his visa. Legal battles are emerging across multiple states as students fight back against these actions, which many consider unlawful and detrimental to their future. The Department of Homeland Security acknowledges some retractions, but concerns about the systematic nature of these terminations persist.

Shockwaves in Academia: International Students Face Visa Termination Crisis

In a distressing turn of events, international students across the U.S. have found themselves grappling with the sudden termination of their visas, turning their academic dreams into a nightmare. Anjan Roy, a graduate student in computer science from Bangladesh, received an alarming email on April 10, 2025, informing him that his international student status had been revoked. This shocking announcement left him reeling.

Following the abrupt termination of his visa, Roy’s life spiraled into chaos. He avoided public spaces, skipped classes, and turned off his phone, sinking into a state of profound anxiety. His situation is not unique; more than a thousand international students have faced similar challenges, primarily due to a strict crackdown under the Trump administration that has caused widespread concern.

Legal Battles Emerge in Response to Visa Crackdown

In a significant legal development, Roy’s status was reinstated by the court, reversing the previous ruling and providing him a new lease on his academic pursuits. He is now one of 133 plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed in Atlanta, where individuals are taking a stand against what they consider unlawful visa terminations. Temporary restraining orders have been issued across multiple states, including New Hampshire, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin, providing some relief to affected students.

During the legal proceedings, Secretary of State Marco Rubio weighed in, asserting that student visas could be revoked for conduct deemed against national interests, such as participating in protests. However, many students contend that their infractions were minor or that they lacked clarity about why they were targeted for visa termination.

Government’s Controversial Justification Unraveled

The government’s attorney argued in court that impacted students had alternative routes, such as transferring credits or seeking work abroad, dismissing claims of significant harm. In contrast, Attorney Charles Kuck passionately argued that the government’s actions lacked legal basis and seemed aimed at coercing students into self-deportation. Many have reported feeling too frightened to leave their homes, fearing detention or deportation.

Since late March 2025, at least 1,190 students from 183 institutions have experienced changes to their legal status, with reports indicating that hundreds more may be affected. A troubling lawsuit filed by four University of Iowa students has underscored the psychological and financial distress caused by the sudden status changes.

A Remarkable Journey of Uncertainty

Roy, who began his studies at Missouri State University in August 2024, has faced dramatic disruption to both his academic and social life due to the visa termination. After a court ruled in favor of reinstating his status, Roy returned to his apartment, although fears of unannounced visits still lingered. Previously, he had received a message warning that his revoked status put him at risk of detention even in a third country.

With concerns for his safety, Roy temporarily stayed with relatives to avoid potential detainment. Despite regaining his legal status, uncertainties about his future in the U.S. remain, especially with his parents back home in Bangladesh expressing worry for his well-being.

DHS Responds, But Concerns Persist

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has acknowledged a retraction of some terminations. However, the agency has not clearly indicated whether these decisions are permanent. On April 19, 2025, a temporary restraining order was issued by Judge Victoria Calvert, safeguarding the students’ statuses until further hearings can be conducted.

The ongoing lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) highlights complaints of illegal terminations conducted without due process, with accusations that some terminations were based on vague reasons tied to background checks involving minor offenses. Legal experts maintain that ICE has improperly utilized the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to carry out these visa revocations.

Universities Unaware of Mass Termination Impact

What remains particularly alarming is that several universities, including Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State, were reportedly uninformed of the mass terminations that occurred, which did not originate from institutional actions. The students’ legal claims reflect an ongoing struggle against being stripped of their legal status without appropriate notification or the chance to contest their terminations.

As the legal battles continue to unfold, there is a growing concern that this crackdown on international students may deter prospective scholars, potentially diminishing the attractiveness of higher education in the U.S. and affecting international enrollment rates. The path ahead appears fraught with challenges, as students like Roy hope for stability amidst a tumultuous legal landscape.