Recent Revocation of Visas and Cancellation of Status for Students in F-1 Status

In late March 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in a press conference that the Department of State (DOS) had revoked the visas of more than 300 foreign students who had engaged in campus protests related to the conflict in Gaza. We learned last week that in addition to their visas, these students’ Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records were terminated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without notice, effectively rendering the student without valid status or work authorization. 

In addition to students engaged in political activities, the Trump Administration has begun targeting students who had previously been charged with criminal offenses.  There are reports of dozens of students who have had their visas revoked and status terminated due to often relatively minor violations. This has happened to some students even though the charges were eventually dropped, and the student had taken appropriate steps to address the arrest issue by applying for a new visa. Many of the students to whom this has happened were not involved in any political activities related to the current conflict in Gaza. 

What this Means for Our Clients

The F-1 visa revocations and SEVIS record terminations have legal implications on student work authorization (CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT) and valid status, and could result in forcible removal from the United States. We strongly recommend that persons in F-1 student status who are employees of our clients contact our office immediately if their SEVIS record has been terminated, or their visa has been revoked, so that we may advise on the best course of action to ensure their continued authorization to live and work in the United States. The steps that will need to be taken will depend on the facts of each affected person’s specific situation.