In a major reversal, the Trump administration has reinstated student visa registrations for thousands of international students in the U.S. whose legal immigration status was abruptly revoked earlier this month. The decision, announced by the Department of Justice in a Massachusetts federal court on Friday, comes after nationwide protests and more than 100 lawsuits filed by affected students.

ICE Backpedals on SEVIS Record Terminations

The terminations were issued through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a federal database used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and academic institutions to monitor foreign student compliance. Students were notified via email or text message that their records had been removed, often without explanation, leading many to believe they were facing immediate deportation.

“ICE maintains the authority to terminate a SEVIS record for other reasons,” a DOJ filing read, but emphasized that records flagged only by NCIC (National Crime Information Center) findings — such as minor criminal charges or dismissed cases — will no longer be grounds for termination.

Student Visa Revocations Impact Thousands Nationwide

According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, an estimated 4,700 SEVIS records were terminated, with 1,400 confirmed as visa revocations. The legal and logistical chaos impacted universities across the country, including the University of Delaware, where eight students were reportedly affected. Delaware State University President Tony Allen joined an amicus brief opposing the terminations, underscoring the wider concern in higher education.

At Boston University, one student — Huadan “Carrie” Zheng — remains unable to attend classes because her SEVIS record has not yet been reactivated. Her case, along with over 200 others, has been granted a temporary injunction blocking further government action.

Chief U.S. District Judge Dennis Saylor wrote that while ICE is working on a long-term policy framework, nationwide reactivation of SEVIS records could take time.

$44 Billion at Stake in U.S. International Education

This visa crisis has brought renewed attention to the vital role of international students in the U.S. economy, contributing over $44 billion annually, according to the Association of American Universities (AAU). With over 1.1 million foreign students enrolled in U.S. institutions, the impact of policy decisions on student visas can have sweeping academic and economic consequences.

Key Takeaways

• Trump administration reverses student visa terminations affecting thousands.

• SEVIS records to be reactivated unless tied to serious immigration violations.

• Legal status of students remains in flux as ICE drafts new termination guidelines.

• Higher education leaders and courts push back against sudden enforcement actions.