Overview

• Over 1,200 international students had SEVIS records abruptly terminated, leaving many at risk of deportation and sparking widespread legal challenges across the U.S.
• Federal judges issued orders to restore SEVIS records for students in lawsuits, prompting ICE to announce a temporary halt to further terminations and reactivation of some records.
• The Department of Homeland Security clarified that visa cancellations remain in effect, and only SEVIS access is being restored for those whose visas were not revoked.
• Students and universities report confusion and lingering uncertainty, with some students having already left the country or faced academic and employment disruptions.
• ICE is developing a new policy framework for SEVIS record terminations, leaving questions about future enforcement and the long-term impact on international student enrollment.