DOJ Restores Student Visa Statuses, ICE Begins Developing New Termination Policies

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Friday that it would restore some student visas after previously terminating status records. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly developing a new “framework” for termination policies.

The Details: The move comes after dozens of lawsuits challenged the recent status terminations, and it’s estimated that about five thousand records will be restored for those without revoked visas. Judges opposing the terminations argued that removing foreign students from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database is illegal and could lead to unjust deportations. 

Key Quotes: DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reportedly told Newsweek (Center bias), “We have not reversed course on a single visa revocation. What we did is restore SEVIS access for people who had not had their visa revoked.”

How The Media Covered It: NBC News (Lean Left) said the Trump administration had been “seemingly taking aim at those who’ve participated in political activism or have had previous charges” when revoking visas. NBC also highlighted potential future obstacles for foreign students. Just the News (Lean Right) reported that terminations were over “either a minor or dismissed legal infraction.” It also noted that the recent immigration reforms have left foreign students concerned about deportations, while Newsweek said the reforms put them at “risk of deportation.” This story was mostly covered by the political left and center.

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