During the Trump administration, immigration enforcement intensified in ways that disproportionately targeted international students. One of the most devastating developments was the sharp rise in SEVIS Terminations During the Trump Administration—a quiet but far-reaching action that upended the lives of thousands of F-1 visa holders.
At Orange Law Firm, experienced immigration attorney Karan Joshi has helped many affected students in Texas and nationwide respond to unlawful SEVIS terminations. This article outlines the legal violations involved, the human toll, and what you can do now to protect your rights.
What Is SEVIS and Why It Matters
SEVIS is an official tracking system used by the Department of Homeland Security to monitor F-1 visa students. For any international student, maintaining active SEVIS status is essential to:
- Stay lawfully in the United States
- Remain enrolled in university
- Work through OPT or CPT
- Travel and reenter the country legally
SEVIS Terminations During the Trump Administration stripped these protections without warning, often without the student or school being notified until after the fact.
A System Without Safeguards
Previously, F-1 students facing a status issue could respond, correct records, or seek a hearing. But under SEVIS Terminations During the Trump Administration, DHS terminated SEVIS records administratively—no notice, no hearing, no chance to fix errors.
In thousands of cases:
- Students were unaware of the termination until it was too late
- Universities weren’t consulted
- There was no formal reason provided
- Students were left at risk of detention or removal
Not only did the process break down, but it also gave rise to major legal questions.
Liu v. Noem: One Student’s Fight
One high-profile example of the damage caused by SEVIS Terminations During the Trump Administration is the case of Liu v. Noem, filed in 2025. Liu, a top-performing Ph.D. student at Dartmouth with no violations or criminal background, suddenly lost SEVIS status and his research position. He received no explanation.
His story represents thousands of similar cases. International students who followed the rules were removed from their programs, lost housing, and faced deportation—all without any form of due process.
Legal Pushback Across the U.S.
SEVIS Terminations During the Trump Administration led to lawsuits in multiple states, including:
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Georgia
- California
- Washington
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
Class-action cases included students who lost SEVIS status for minor administrative issues none of which justified deportation. These legal challenges sought to restore fairness and protect student rights.
Legal Violations in SEVIS Termination Cases
1. Misuse of Visa Revocation
Under 8 C.F.R. § 214.1(d) and ICE guidelines, revocation of a visa is not a valid reason for SEVIS termination. Losing a visa impacts reentry, not lawful presence in the U.S.
2. Violation of Due Process
The 5th Amendment ensures all persons in the U.S. are entitled to due process. Many students affected by SEVIS Terminations During the Trump Administration received no notice or opportunity to respond clear violations of constitutional rights.
3. Failure to Follow the Administrative Procedure Act
Federal agencies must act consistently and follow legal processes. DHS terminated SEVIS records without transparent procedures, notice-and-comment rulemaking, or judicial review breaching the Administrative Procedure Act.
The Human Cost of SEVIS Terminations
The fallout from SEVIS Terminations During the Trump Administration is far more than administrative—it affected lives, education, and families:
Academic Disruption
Many students had to withdraw mid-term, lose research roles, or abandon years of hard work.
Job and Housing Loss
Students lost work authorization, income, and housing. With no legal status, they couldn’t stay employed or afford rent.
Family Displacement
Dependents with F-2 visas were forced to leave the U.S., often returning to unfamiliar countries.
STEM Talent Loss
Thousands of international students in STEM fields—AI, cybersecurity, biotech—were removed from U.S. programs.
Economic Impact
According to NAFSA, international students added over $43 billion to the U.S. economy. These terminations damaged the country’s educational and economic leadership.
Work with an Experienced Immigration Attorney
If your SEVIS record has been terminated, don’t wait. You need an experienced immigration attorney to understand your case and take prompt action.
At Orange Law Firm, Attorney Karan Joshi has years of experience helping students challenge SEVIS errors, request reinstatement, and navigate litigation. We provide legal guidance that respects your academic goals and immigration status.
We assist with:
- Reinstatement of F-1 visa status
- Emergency motions and appeals
- Participation in class-action suits
- Humanitarian options or alternative visas
- Constitutional and administrative law protections
What Should You Do Next?
Take Action Quickly
You may have only days to file for reinstatement or appeal DHS decisions.
Collect Your Documentation
Prepare:
- I-20 history
- SEVIS termination notice (if available)
- University transcripts
- Emails or letters from DHS or your DSO
Consult an Experienced Immigration Attorney
An attorney like Karan Joshi can review your documents, advise on strategy, and represent you before USCIS or in federal court if needed.
Moving Forward: Hope and Reform
SEVIS Terminations During the Trump Administration exposed flaws in how immigration systems treat international students. While recent policy shifts offer hope, many students remain affected.
Orange Law Firm is committed to defending students’ rights and restoring their legal status. We believe education should not be punished and due process should never be optional.
Contact Orange Law Firm Today
If you or someone you know was impacted by SEVIS Terminations During the Trump Administration, get legal help today. Don’t delay, contact an experienced immigration attorney at Orange Law Firm and secure your legal rights.
