Introduction to the Crisis
The Trump administration’s decision to terminate the legal status of over 4,700 international students in the U.S. has left many facing a daunting and complicated path toward rebuilding their lives. The students, who had their permission to study in the U.S. canceled with little notice or explanation, are now struggling to come to terms with the consequences of this decision.
The Consequences of Terminated Status
One student, who wishes to remain anonymous, had his laboratory job in Houston terminated abruptly after his legal status was revoked. Fearing detention, he returned to his home country in south Asia on a one-way ticket. However, his American visa was also revoked, leaving him "stranded" and unable to return to the U.S. The student, who had built a life in the U.S. over nearly a decade, is now struggling to find work and rebuild his life in his home country.
The Challenges of Rebuilding
Many students who had their status terminated are facing significant challenges in rebuilding their lives. Some have been unable to reenroll in school or return to their jobs, while others are struggling with the mental anguish of their ordeals. The expansion of grounds for terminating a student’s legal status by Immigration and Customs Enforcement has left many feeling vulnerable and fearful of being targeted again.
The Role of the SEVIS Database
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems (SEVIS) database, which tracks international students’ compliance with their visa status, played a significant role in the termination of student statuses. The Department of Homeland Security ran the names of student visa holders through an FBI-run database that contains the names of suspects and people who have been arrested, even if they were never charged with a crime or had charges dropped. This led to the termination of many students’ statuses, often with little notice or explanation.
The Search for a Solution
Lawyers for international students have sought a nationwide injunction to protect their clients and others across the country. However, government attorneys argue that this is not necessary, as ICE is mailing status reactivation letters to affected students. The plaintiffs’ lawyers argue that this is not enough, as the new policy suggests that student records can be terminated on a whim, and there is no evidence that ICE has asked the State Department to restore revoked visas.
The Human Cost
The human cost of the terminated statuses is significant. Many students have been left feeling lonely, grief-stricken, and anxious about their future. One student, who had his status terminated due to a pending charge for marijuana possession, said that the experience pushed him to a mental breaking point. He had a plane ticket back home to Bangladesh reserved and hardly left his apartment, feeling like he was being followed.
The Decision to Leave
Some students are now considering leaving the U.S. due to the risk of another status termination. A Nepali programmer in Texas, who had his status terminated due to a past mistake, said that he would take the opportunity to leave the U.S. if it arose. A Ph.D. student at Iowa State University, who also had his status terminated, said that he is confident about his decision to leave by the end of the year, either for home or Europe.
Conclusion
The termination of international students’ legal statuses has had a devastating impact on their lives. The challenges they face in rebuilding their lives are significant, and the human cost is substantial. As the U.S. government begins to reinstate students’ records, it is essential to consider the long-term effects of this decision and work towards creating a more stable and secure environment for international students. The U.S. must ensure that the rights of international students are protected and that they are able to pursue their educational and career goals without fear of termination or deportation.
