New US Policy: What International Students Need to Know About Legal Status Termination

Recently, the U.S. government has revealed more details about its crackdown on international students. This crackdown has surprised many students who found their legal status suddenly canceled, often without clear explanations.

In the last month, foreign students across the nation have discovered their records removed from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) database. This led some to hide for fear of deportation, while others abandoned their studies to return home.

After facing numerous lawsuits, federal officials announced that they would restore the legal status of these students. They are also developing clear guidelines on what could lead to status terminations, including visa revocations.

Brad Banias, an immigration attorney representing affected students, argues that the new guidelines give ICE too much power. Unlike past policies, which allowed students to remain in the U.S. even if their visas were revoked, the new rules could lead to deportations based on minor infractions, like traffic violations.

Many students affected by this change reported having minor issues or were unsure why their status was canceled at all. During a recent court hearing, officials explained their process. They had checked student visa holders against the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a database containing information about criminal activity, even for those who haven’t been formally charged. This search identified around 6,400 students, including Akshar Patel, who faced a reckless driving charge years ago that was ultimately dismissed.

Patel’s name appeared on a list sent to a Homeland Security official, who ordered the termination of those students’ status without thorough reviews. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes emphasized that this rush likely disregarded individuals’ situations, showing a lack of consideration for students who came to the U.S. to learn.

When colleges were informed of the changes, chaos ensued. Typically, legal statuses are updated once colleges report students leaving or stopping their studies, but this situation blindsided many. Some students were told to halt their classes immediately and warned they could face deportation. However, government attorneys clarified that the database changes did not automatically mean they had lost their status; instead, it served as an “investigative red flag.”

Despite the challenges, Patel is now considered lawfully present in the U.S. while awaiting legal decisions. As this situation unfolds, it raises concerns about transparency and the treatment of international students in the U.S.

For more detailed insights on immigration policies, you can visit the [Department of Homeland Security](https://www.dhs.gov) website.

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