Student Visa Cancellations in U.S. Face New Legal Challenge

A coalition of education associations and advocacy groups has reignited a legal challenge against the U.S. government’s widespread revocation of student visas and the termination of SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records actions that have sparked concern across the international education community since early 2025.

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The plaintiffs argue that many of these visa cancellations are carried out without sufficient explanation or due process, often based on vague infractions or administrative technicalities. Several affected students report being given little to no warning before their SEVIS status was terminated, putting their academic futures and legal residency in jeopardy.

“These blanket actions undermine trust in the U.S. as a safe and stable destination for international education,” said a spokesperson for the American Council on Education, one of the groups supporting the lawsuits.

Legal Hurdles: Supreme Court Sides with DHS

While advocacy groups continue to challenge the policy in lower courts, their efforts face significant setbacks due to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. In Bouarfa v. Mayorkas, the Court upheld that visa revocations fall under the discretionary powers of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and are not subject to judicial review. The decision has limited the courts’ ability to intervene in individual cases of visa withdrawal, even where students claim their rights were violated.

Despite this, several students have had their SEVIS records reinstated due to temporary court injunctions, though these victories remain case-specific and fragile under the current legal climate.

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Ongoing Concerns for International Students

This legal uncertainty leaves thousands of international students vulnerable. Many are at risk of losing their legal status, academic progress, and financial investments in their U.S. education. Advocacy groups are pushing for policy reforms that ensure transparency, accountability, and student protections in visa enforcement procedures.

Universities and higher education institutions across the country have voiced support for affected students, urging the government to adopt a more measured and student-friendly approach.

“The lack of procedural fairness in these terminations sends the wrong message globally,” said an international student advisor from a major U.S. university. “We need clarity and consistency, not sudden disruptions.”

As legal actions continue and policy advocacy intensifies, the future of international students in the U.S. remains uncertain. For now, education groups are calling for immediate reviews of visa enforcement procedures and greater collaboration between government agencies and academic institutions to protect the rights and well-being of international students.