International Students In Bay Area Get Sudden Reprieve as Trump Administration Reverses on Visa Cancellations

A Trump administration lawyer announced that around 1,500 international students will keep their visas while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) develops a new review system. This decision follows weeks of chaos for students, many from China and India, who faced potential deportation due to sudden visa terminations. Several lawsuits were filed in response, including a class action in New Hampshire representing students across four states. Assistant US Attorney Elizabeth Kurlan confirmed that visas for plaintiffs in California will remain active during the development of the new policy. At least 121 students in California had their visas revoked recently, and some chose to self-deport out of fear of detention.

The administration's reversal suggests they may not prevail in upcoming court battles over these visa issues. Some students reported that their visa records were reactivated shortly before this announcement. The situation echoes past controversies during Trump's presidency, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding immigration and student rights.