Federal Court Restores Visas for Ohio State, UO Students Amid Trump Administration Backlash

A series of federal court rulings have recently ordered the reinstatement of visas and student status for international students at Ohio State University (OSU) and other institutions after the Trump administration revoked the immigration records of hundreds of students nationwide. Among those affected is Ahwar Sultan, an OSU graduate student who alleges his visa was targeted in retaliation for his participation in pro-Palestinian protests. Sultan and his legal team argue that the actions constitute a violation of free speech and due process rights, while multiple lawsuits have been filed on behalf of affected students across the U.S. Universities, including OSU and Western Illinois University, state they have offered support and resources, but some students claim institutional support has been inadequate. The revocations, often abrupt and lacking clear explanation, have left students in legal limbo and heightened uncertainty. Federal judges have issued temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions, restoring legal status to several students as litigation proceeds.