In recent months, international students across the United States have faced an alarming trend involving the sudden and sometimes unexplained termination of their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records. These actions, initiated by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement through the Student Exchange Visitor Program, are raising serious concerns for students, educational institutions, and legal professionals.

Many of these terminations are happening without any advance notice to the affected students or their designated school officials. While SEVIS record termination is not a new process, the scope and nature of recent cases suggest a broader federal response that appears to be connected in part to Executive Order 14188. This order was issued with the stated goal of addressing anti-Semitism and has led to increased scrutiny of international students who are allegedly involved in certain protests or political activity on campus.

Legal Grounds Behind the Terminations

Immigration authorities are relying on several provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act to justify these terminations. One of the most frequently cited sections is INA 237 (a)(4)(C)(i), which allows removal based on potential foreign policy consequences. This provision has been applied in situations involving political expression or participation in protests.

Other cases involve allegations that students failed to maintain their lawful status under INA 237 (a)(1)(C)(i), sometimes based on minor criminal charges or dismissed cases. Still others stem from visa revocations under INA 221 (i), which gives the Department of State the authority to revoke a visa at any time without providing the visa holder the right to appeal. Following a visa revocation, INA 237 (a)(1)(B) provides that a person can then be considered deportable, regardless of their prior compliance with immigration laws.

Why SEVIS Records are Being Terminated

In many recent cases, SEVIS termination notices have included vague or unclear justifications. Students have been accused of failing to maintain status due to their involvement in political protests or because of findings from criminal background checks. In some situations, even minor or dismissed charges have been used as the basis for termination. There have also been reports of terminations that directly follow visa revocations, although students and school officials often receive little to no explanation for these decisions.

Consequences for Students and Their Families

The impact of a SEVIS termination is both immediate and severe. When a student’s SEVIS record is terminated, they lose all authorization to work in the United States. They also become ineligible to re-enter the country, even if they had previously held valid status. Any dependents who hold F-2 or M-2 status also lose their legal status as a result. Unlike other types of status violations, there is no grace period following a termination. Affected students are expected to depart the country right away or pursue reinstatement, which is a difficult process and one that offers no guarantees.

Uncertainty Around Notification and Institutional Responsibility

A major source of confusion involves whether schools are required to notify students about ICE-initiated terminations. Federal authorities have not provided clear guidance on this point. Designated school officials are typically advised to consult with university legal counsel and to avoid providing any form or legal advice to students, which can leave students without critical information when they need it most.

Institutional Pressures and Policy Risks

Some universities are facing growing pressure to unenroll students whose SEVIS records have been terminated. These decisions raise complex legal and contractual questions and require schools to balance their compliance obligations with their duty to support students. Institutions with a higher number of affected students may face additional scrutiny from SEVP during their recertification process. In fact, a senior official from the Department of State recently warned that schools failing to take action could risk losing their SEVP certification, which would have broad implications for their entire international student population.

What Students and Schools Can Do Moving Forward

In this rapidly evolving environment, both students and educational institutions must stay informed and take proactive steps. Students who are notified of a SEVIS termination or visa revocation should seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Schools should review their internal protocols, maintain close communication between designated officials and university legal counsel, and provide timely and compassionate support to students facing status challenges.

As the federal approach to SEVIS oversight continues to shift, it is essential for international students and the schools that host them to remain alert, informed, and prepared to respond to new developments.