Overview

• The Department of Homeland Security has reinstated SEVIS records for thousands of international students after courts raised due process concerns over the terminations.
• While SEVIS records have been restored, visa cancellations remain in effect, creating ongoing uncertainty for affected students regarding their legal status and travel plans.
• ICE is developing a new policy framework for SEVIS terminations, with interim measures preventing further actions based solely on NCIC database findings.
• Universities, including the University of Chicago and UC Berkeley, are advising students to avoid non-essential travel due to risks of enforcement under new federal guidelines.
• The crackdown and policy shifts have raised concerns about the U.S.'s ability to attract international students, who contribute significantly to the economy and STEM innovation.