Understanding Recent International Student Visa Revocations and SEVIS Record Terminations: Guidance for Colleges & Universities

In recent weeks, the federal government has made international students a new focus of immigration enforcement. Thousands of students have had their visas revoked and/or SEVIS records  terminated, often without warning, raising serious concerns regarding due process. These actions have created a traumatic and destabilizing environment for international students, their families, and the campuses that support them. This FAQ is designed to help colleges and universities understand the legal landscape, prepare for possible enforcement actions, and consider collective advocacy strategies to support international students. Questions discussed include:

• What is the difference between a student visa and a SEVIS record?

• What are the legal and practical consequences of visa revocation for students already in the United States?

• What is the significance of SEVIS termination, and how is it being used in the current enforcement context?

• How can institutions monitor for SEVIS terminations and support affected students?

• How should institutions respond if DHS contacts them about a student?

• What remedies are available if a SEVIS record has been terminated in error?

• What legal remedies are available when a student is detained by ICE?

• How can a student request release from detention, and what is the difference between habeas corpus and immigration bond?

• What happens if a student is placed in removal proceedings?

• What support can institutions offer to international students affected by visa revocations and/or SEVIS record terminations?

• What is “self-deportation?”

• Is a school required to disenroll a student whose SEVIS record has been terminated and/or who has departed the United States?

• How can institutions guard against scam calls targeting international students?

• How can institutions and communities engage in broader advocacy to support international students?

Updated FAQ Understanding Recent International Student Visa Revocations and Apprehensions_ Guidance for Colleges & Universities