ICE Terminates SEVIS Records Without Notice and Backs Up After Lawsuits

Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups have reported a surge in unexpected SEVIS terminations initiated directly by ICE’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), affecting international students and exchange visitors across the U.S. Unlike typical updates made by Designated School Officials (DSOs), these terminations often occurred without notifying students or institutions, with many only learning of their status after visa revocations or SEVIS discrepancies. Some students had no recent legal issues, with terminations based on old or dismissed charges. Legal review and possible reinstatement—especially via Form I-539—were urged, though not always available, particularly for those on OPT. In April 2025, following legal challenges and court rulings criticizing the lack of due process, ICE reinstated SEVIS records for over 4,700 students and pledged to establish formal termination policies. However, uncertainty remains for students whose visas were also revoked, as the State Department has yet to clarify if those will be restored, highlighting the need for clear and fair immigration procedures.