Trump Pauses Foreign Student Visa Removals Amid Policy Shift

Edition :  Reda El Ghazal

The U.S. government has temporarily reinstated legal protections for hundreds of international students after abruptly revoking their visa statuses earlier this year. The reversal came during a federal court hearing in Boston, where lawsuits accused immigration officials of unfairly targeting students over minor or dismissed offenses. While the Trump administration works on formalizing new rules for visa terminations, affected students will retain access to the SEVIS database, which tracks their academic and legal compliance.

Over 4,700 foreign students faced sudden removal from SEVIS since January, with many contesting the actions as unjust. Students argued terminations often stemmed from non-violent incidents or errors, not criminal convictions required by law. Courts temporarily blocked deportations for hundreds, including Boston University’s Carrie Zheng, whose case highlighted flaws in the enforcement process. Immigration attorneys noted some students saw status restored without litigation, signaling possible broader adjustments.

Officials confirmed the Department of Homeland Security is drafting a policy to clarify grounds for future SEVIS removals but emphasized authority to act against unlawful activity. A judge extended protections for students as systems update their records, though concerns linger about long-term stability. “Relief, but still anxious,” one student shared anonymously, reflecting widespread uncertainty.

The shift follows legal pressure from universities and advocates criticizing the administration’s aggressive immigration tactics. While the government denies reversing its stance, the pause offers a reprieve for students balancing education and legal limbo. Critics warn the upcoming policy could reintroduce strict measures, urging transparency to safeguard international scholars.