Overview

• The Department of Justice has reversed the termination of SEVIS records for thousands of international students, following widespread legal challenges and judicial interventions across at least 23 states.
• ICE will not terminate SEVIS records based solely on flagged criminal history checks until a new policy framework is finalized, though it retains authority to act on other violations.
• The reversal applies not only to students who filed lawsuits but also to all similarly affected individuals, offering temporary relief to those impacted by the terminations.
• It remains unclear whether the State Department will reverse visa cancellations, leaving some students in legal limbo despite SEVIS record reinstatements.
• Concerns persist over potential long-term consequences, as the terminated statuses may still appear on records, potentially hindering future immigration opportunities.