Dozens of International Students Face SEVIS Terminations Amid Tighter Immigration Scrutiny

Recently, international student communities across many U.S. universities have been gripped by anxiety, as numerous F-1 students have had their SEVIS records abruptly terminated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), resulting in the immediate loss of lawful immigration status.

In recent weeks, international students at numerous U.S. universities have been thrust into an unexpected identity crisis. Without prior notice, the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records of many F-1 visa holders have been marked as “Terminated” by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a division under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This action has resulted in the immediate loss of legal student status for affected individuals.

Notably, this large-scale termination is not attributed to academic failure or violations of school policies. Rather, some students appear to be targeted due to minor traffic infractions from years ago, past misdemeanor charges, or even certain social media activities. The event has sparked widespread concern throughout academic institutions, social platforms, and the legal community. Many students, having received no prior notification from their schools or immigration authorities, were shocked to discover their legal status had been revoked, leading to heightened anxiety and confusion.

Since the incident began unfolding, Owen Gu Law Group, P.C. has received a significant number of urgent consultations from students and their families across various U.S. universities. Some of these cases involve students who have yet to receive any official explanation from their school or SEVP. Many individuals report having no criminal or political history, yet still found their SEVIS status terminated—raising serious questions regarding procedural transparency and fairness.

We have observed that many of these terminations lack a consistent standard or clear notification process. From a legal and procedural perspective, this raises concerns about due process and the protection of lawful rights for nonimmigrant students. When viewed alongside recent increases in green card denials and heightened administrative review, these SEVIS terminations appear to reflect a broader tightening of U.S. immigration enforcement practices.

Overview of the Core Incident:

Since late March 2025, the international student offices of institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Arizona State University, Johns Hopkins University, Boston University, the University of Michigan, and Georgia Institute of Technology have reported that certain students—despite having no academic or disciplinary issues—had their SEVIS records abruptly terminated.

According to incomplete data, more than 40 U.S. colleges and universities have now reported SEVIS terminations affecting their international students. The impacted institutions span a wide range of academic levels and regions, including Ivy League universities and public state schools. The number continues to rise, with the scope of the incident far exceeding initial expectations.

Affected Students Fall into Three Primary Categories:

1. Resurfaced Prior Offenses:

   Some students had resolved traffic tickets or minor offenses from years ago, such as DUI, speeding, or running a red light. Despite having settled these issues long ago, these records are now being cited as grounds for SEVIS termination.

2. Political Participation & Sensitive Involvement:

   Certain students who participated in campus protests in support of Palestine reportedly had their records terminated for vague reasons such as being “potentially detrimental to U.S. foreign policy.” This raises concerns about freedom of expression and academic freedom on U.S. campuses.

3. Unexplained Terminations:

   The most troubling cases involve students with no criminal records or political involvement whose SEVIS records were terminated without clear explanation—leaving both students and school officials confused and alarmed.

If your SEVIS status has been terminated, we recommend taking the following steps:

1. Contact your school’s DSO (Designated School Official) immediately to confirm the termination date, specific reason, and any SEVIS codes associated with the action.

2. Consult with an experienced immigration attorney to assess your eligibility for reinstatement (via Form I-539) and to develop an appropriate legal strategy.

3. Avoid leaving the U.S. or attempting to apply for a new visa abroad unless advised by legal counsel. Termination records are permanently visible to consular officers and can trigger intense scrutiny during reentry attempts.

4. If the termination is linked to a prior offense, work with your attorney to retrieve relevant court or police records and evaluate the potential for expungement or legal clarification.

5. Do not hastily attempt to change to another nonimmigrant status (e.g., B1/B2 or H1B), as any new application may face significantly heightened review in the context of a terminated SEVIS record.

6. Monitor USCIS, SEVP, and School Communications Closely. Stay alert to updates or requests for additional evidence (RFE), appeals, or other critical deadlines related to status restoration.

Policy Trends & Risk Awareness

This wave of SEVIS terminations may reflect a broader shift in U.S. immigration enforcement. Even previously resolved issues—or seemingly benign online expressions—may now be considered “risk indicators” by immigration authorities. In light of this, we would like to remind all F-1 visa holders to:

• Maintain strong academic standing and full-time enrollment.

• Proactively review and address any past legal records for compliance.

• Use social media with caution, avoiding posts that may be misinterpreted as politically sensitive.

• Seek immediate legal counsel if notified of any changes to SEVIS status.

Every international student deserves to be treated fairly. In the face of abrupt policy shifts and immigration uncertainty, staying informed and seeking timely professional legal support is the best way to safeguard your rights and future.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a SEVIS termination or wishes to proactively assess immigration risks, don't hesitate to contact us (info@owenlawpc.com).

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. For personalized guidance, please consult a qualified immigration attorney.