ICE Restores Status for Thousands of Foreign Students Amid Legal Challenges

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reversed its decision to automatically revoke or terminate the SEVIS records of thousands of international students after widespread lawsuits and multiple court orders blocked the move. Many students were initially flagged for possible criminal activity based on checks with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, resulting in sudden loss of legal status and confusion for both students and universities. ICE now states it will restore the SEVIS status for those affected and will not modify records solely based on NCIC findings until a new policy framework is developed. The reversal applies broadly, not only to students who filed lawsuits, and students’ statuses will remain active or be re-activated as needed. However, ICE retains the authority to terminate student statuses in the future for noncompliance with immigration laws or other legitimate violations. The decision provides relief to many international students, though it does not apply to those whose actual visas have been revoked and who are currently in ICE custody.