Reinstatement of SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records has come as a major relief for 133 international students, most of whom are Indian, after a US federal judge issued Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) earlier this week. These students had suddenly found themselves stripped of their legal status in the United States due to abrupt F-1 and M-1 visa cancellations by the Department of State and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), often without any formal charges.
The cancellations, many tied to minor law enforcement interactions or even dismissed cases, had left students in shock. One of them, Anjan Roy, a graduate student from Missouri State University, recalled being stunned upon receiving the email that ended his student status without warning. “I was in literal shock,” he said.
Legal Win Gives Students a Second Chance
The reinstatement orders mean these students can now resume their education, attend classes, and work toward completing their degrees without fearing deportation. Mamta Shekhawat, founder of the study abroad platform Gradding.com, explained, “This decision is not just about restoring legal status—it’s about restoring hope. These students were caught in a situation they didn’t create, and now they get a chance to continue their future.”
Immigration attorneys believe this victory is also a pushback against flawed enforcement. Sheela Murthy, president of the Murthy Law Firm, argued that visa terminations were carried out using broad and unverified criteria—possibly even with the help of AI. “Many of these students had no criminal records. Revoking their visas based on weak or dismissed cases violates basic due process,” she said.
A Growing Pattern of Visa Trouble
According to Murthy, what’s alarming is the scale of the issue. She estimated that thousands—potentially more than 5,000—F-1 visa holders might have had their SEVIS records terminated in recent months. This level of mass cancellation is unprecedented and, many say, indicative of a changing immigration environment.
Had the reinstatement not been granted, the consequences would have been severe. Students could have faced deportation, academic failure, and long-term visa restrictions in several countries. The financial losses alone—from tuition fees to years of investment in a US education—would have been devastating.
What Happens Next?
While the court’s decision has temporarily reinstated SEVIS records, legal experts warn that the matter is far from over. Anna Stepanova, assistant managing attorney at the Murthy Law Firm, clarified, “These TROs are not final. Students must continue to follow all SEVIS rules and work closely with their Designated School Officials (DSOs) to avoid future issues.”
Students are being urged to maintain full-time enrollment, report any changes in address or course load, and stay updated with official notifications. Shekhawat also advised them to “stay informed and act fast if they sense anything unusual with their SEVIS profiles.”
A Sign of Larger Concerns
Beyond this case, immigration professionals are noticing increased scrutiny across all visa categories. Murthy pointed out that even H-1B professionals are being denied entry at US airports over alleged payroll issues. “We’re in a climate of rising caution and random enforcement. Students and visa holders need to be more aware than ever.”
Despite the uncertainty ahead, the reinstatement of SEVIS marks a crucial victory. It reflects the power of collective legal action and, more importantly, keeps academic and career dreams alive for those who had almost lost them overnight.
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