The student visa records lawsuit brought by foreign college students against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ended when the plaintiffs agreed to drop the case. The student visa lawsuit resulted from the removal of the student’s data from Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). All the removed information has been restored.
The lawsuits were initially filled on behalf of several foreign students with student visas. The plaintiffs claim the DHS removed their visa records from SEVIS without notifying them. SEVIS is a database where the DHS holds the information of all foreign students with visas.
Initially, affected students weren’t notified of why their information was terminated. Immigration officials explained why during the hearing. Foreign students that had their information removed either failed to maintain their status or were identified as criminals under the DHS’ Student Criminal Alien Initiative.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced it would restore the students’ terminated information to SEVIS. The agency also pledged to form a new policy around SEVIS terminations. The new policy states that Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) information can be deleted if the State Department revokes the student’s F-1 visa.
The DHS has also stated some student visa terminations were only meant to be effective upon departure from the U.S. So some students wouldn’t have seen immediate consequences. The restored student visa information, plus the explanation given by immigration authorities, was enough for the plaintiffs to drop the lawsuit.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.