Feds Reveal how Immigration Squad Targeted Thousands of Foreign Students
This article opens with “A botched effort by the Trump administration to raise red flags about thousands of foreign students studying in the United States began with a rushed project by immigration officials dubbed the “Student Criminal Alien Initiative”. According to reports, the initiative was launched hastily — someone had an idea, set it in motion, and did not fully consider the consequences. Unfortunately, this process flagged students who had minor infractions with police and traditionally fell far short of the legal standard required to revoke a student’s legal ability to study in the US. Knowing this, ICE went ahead and terminated the students’ records in SEVIS.
While our sector took a moment to respond, once mobilized, the reaction was swift and unified. Support poured in for affected students, including legal action by associations, lawsuits by state Attorneys General across the country, and inquiries from members of Congress demanding accountability. As court rulings began to favor students, it became clear that the administration’s approach required serious reevaluation.
It’s important to note that in most cases where SEVIS records have been restored, the students’ visas remain revoked. This means that while they can continue their studies in the US, their ability to travel internationally or participate in exchange opportunities remains limited.
There is already new reporting about a policy change which does give ICE the authority to terminate SEVIS records. We are including the new update and working on tracking down the internal memo being cited. While it remains to be seen if the update will go into effect, what is clear is that international students will be scrutinized at a much higher level under this administration.
Beginning in March, as many as 20 Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, aided by contractors, ran 1.3 million names of foreign students through a federal database that tracks criminal histories, missing persons and other brushes with the law. The search found about 6,400 “hits” that officials concluded were solid matches for names and other biographical details in the students’ records, Homeland Security officials said during a hearing.
How the Trump Administration Labeled Students as Criminals with No Evidence
Following the article above, this report goes into specific details of several court cases where the judges overseeing the case are asking very specific questions to the government’s attorneys, and it appears they don’t have answers. This article highlights how the government deemed some students as having a criminal record without checking to see how the case was ultimately adjudicated.
Students and their lawyers say they were given no opportunity to question the initial actions or request a correction. In a case filed in the Central District of California, 23 people said they were among nearly 5,000 foreign students who have had their SEVIS standing terminated. Some said they were told by school officials that their SEVIS status was terminated for “otherwise failing to maintain status – Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked.” But none were given an opportunity to provide any details on encounters with law enforcement.
Preparing for Enhanced Visa Screening and Navigating US Administrative Processing
While this article is primarily directed at employers and prospective international employees, it contains valuable insights for anyone navigating the current US immigration landscape. As shared previously, our team has been actively engaged in global webinars — sharing updates, answering questions, and addressing concerns from students, staff, and partners around the world. Our consistent message remains the same: Be genuine. Be prepared. Complete the process from start to finish yourself. Ask for help. Seek advice.
While this has always been sound advice, it is more important than ever to be prepared. The policy environment has changed, and the consequences for even small mistakes can be serious. We’re committed to supporting students and partners through these changes and will continue to share reliable, up-to-date information as the situation evolves.
Success in this environment requires far more than completing forms and attending interviews. It demands understanding the government’s agenda, risk awareness, and proactive preparation at every stage of the process. Organizations that fail to recognize and adapt to this new reality risk facing operational disruptions, lost talent, and stalled international mobility.
The Growing Significance of Administrative Processing in U.S. Visa Adjudication
The Impact of Social Media on Visa Approvals and Denials
Key Security Clearance Triggers in U.S. Visa Adjudications
Effective Strategies for Employers and Applicants
