Featured Issue: Actions Targeting International Students
Browse the Featured Issue: Actions Targeting International Students collection
DOS Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants
DOS announced expanded screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications. This will include screening their social media accounts. DOS will be instructing applicants to set privacy settings for their social media accounts to public.
Updated Practice Alert: DOS Social Media Vetting and Revocation of Student Visas
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee provides an updated practice alert on media reports of DOS cables directing consular officers to increase social media vetting of student visas, as well as related updates to the FAM.
Presidential Proclamation on Foreign Student Visas at Harvard University
On 6/4/25, President Trump issued Proclamation 10948, which suspends the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University. DOS Secretary may also revoke the visas of current Harvard students on a case-by-case basis. (90 FR 24493, 6/10/25)
Practice Alert: Trump Administration Issues Travel Bans
AILA’s CBP Liaison Committee and DOS Liaison Committee provide a practice alert on the travel bans issued by presidential proclamation on June 4, 2025.
Action Request - Enhanced Vetting for All Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants Traveling to Harvard University
A Department of State cable instructing consular officers to maintain “extra vigilance and to comprehensively review and screen every visa applicant for potential security and non-security related ineligibilities including to assess whether the applicant poses a threat to U.S. national security.”
DOS Secretary Announces Visa Revocation for Chinese Students
DOS Secretary Marco Rubio announced that DOS will work with DHS to revoke visas for Chinese students, including those "with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields" and revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of future visa applications from China and Hong Kong.
DHS to Terminate Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program Certification
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem ordered DHS to terminate the Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. Termination would mean that Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students, and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status.
Call for Examples: Restoration of International Student SEVIS Records and Visas
AILA received reports of the government reinstating the SEVIS records and reports of visas previously revoked being reinstated by DOS. AILA is seeking to collect updated information on these issues. Data collected will be used for advocacy and litigation purposes.
New SEVIS Notice: Policy Regarding Termination of Records
DHS has been sending notices of a policy change regarding their recent SEVIS records terminations. Attached is a copy of the new policy members have had sent to them.
AILA President Welcomes ICE’s Reversal of Student Visa Terminations
AILA President Kelli Stump welcomed news that due to litigation efforts by myriad AILA members and organizations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reinstating international students’ records.
Practice Alert: Students Terminated SEVIS Records Restored by ICE SEVP
On April 24, 2025, AILA members began reporting that terminated SEVIS records of international students were being affirmatively restored by ICE SEVP.
Video: Understanding Terminations of International Student Visa Status
In this short video, Kerry Doyle, former Principal Legal Advisor to ICE, and AILA member Dan Berger discuss what we know about terminations of international student visas and status. (Note: This video is not intended as individual legal advice. To find a lawyer, visit www.ailalawyer.com.)
Take Action: Urge Congress to Demand Accountability from the Trump Administration on the Revocation of Student Visas
The Department of State and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are targeting international students for visa revocation, termination of their status, and removal. Take Action by urging Congress to demand accountability and transparency from DOS and ICE on their targeting of international students.
CNN News18: 4,700 Students Targeted in U.S. by ICE, Half Are Indian
CNN News18 features an interview with AILA Senior Director of Government Relations Sharvari Dalal-Dheini about the recent surge in U.S. student visa revocations.
CNN: Lawsuits Seek to Restore Dozens of Foreign Students' Legal Status amid Targeting by Immigration Authorities
CNN reports on lawsuits alleging that the Trump Administration unlawfully stripped scores of foreign students of their legal status. Some students have brought individual cases, and at least two federal lawsuits aim to represent large swaths of students at once.
Sample: Motion for TRO and Expedited Preliminary Injunction in Case Challenging F-1 Students' SEVIS Termination
Sample motion for temporary restraining order (TRO) and expedited preliminary injunction in a case challenging the terminations of SEVIS records for F-1 nonimmigrant students. Special thanks to Charles H. Kuck for sample. (Motion for Injunctive Relief)
Affidavit of ICE Regarding SEVIS Visa Revocation
An affidavit of Andre Watson, Assistant Director, National Security Division for Homeland Security Investigations detailing the authority to terminate nonimmigrant status by terminating a SEVIS record.
Policy Brief: The Scope of Immigration Enforcement Actions Against International Students
Policy brief dives into the data to paint a picture of the of the arbitrary nature of these visa revocations and SEVIS terminations.
Bloomberg Law: Lawsuits Over Foreign Students' Status Find Solid Legal Footing
Bloomberg Law reports on a slew of lawsuits filed in the past two weeks arguing that DHS unilaterally removed dozens of students from a database tracking compliance with student visa programs, effectively canceling their legal status.
Sample: Complaint under APA Challenging Terminations of F-1 Students' SEVIS Records
Sample complaint requesting relief under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) in a case challenging the terminations of SEVIS records for F-1 nonimmigrant students. Special thanks to Charles H. Kuck for sample. (Complaint, Amendment, Other Pleading)
Policy Brief: Immigration Enforcement Actions Against International Students
This policy brief explains how student visas differ from other nonimmigrant visa types, explores the legal pathways to revoking and terminating a student visa, and explains the due process protections that are available.
AILA Members' Template for F1 Student Habeas Petition
This is a template for an F-1 student status Habeas Corpus petition. Please customize and use this template to file similar complaints. Please see AILA's recent "Call for Examples: Student Visa Revocations & Terminations" post requesting specific examples of F-1 revocations and terminations.
Call for Examples: Student Visa Revocations & Terminations
AILA is looking for specific examples of individuals who have had their student visa's revoked and SEVIS records terminated. Please complete the survey below. Your response will be collected and reviewed by AILA.
Practice Alert: SEVIS Records of International Students Being Terminated by ICE
AILA and partners have received reports of international students having their SEVIS record terminated by ICE Student Exchange Visitor Program. The checklist provided supports work attorney's are already doing while continuing to review all DHS-initiated SEVIS terminations.
AILA: Trump Dragnet Widens to Unconstitutional Targeting of People with Visas
AILA President and Executive Director respond to Trump Administration’s targeting of lawful visa holders, including students and researchers, in this press statement urging Congressional action “to provide oversight and end this abuse of power.”