International Students Challenge ICE Actions with Lawsuit

News Summary

A group of 17 international students have filed a federal lawsuit against ICE in Georgia, claiming their student statuses were revoked without due process. The lawsuit raises concerns about the mishandling of records and the impact on students’ education and future in the U.S. The students allege their SEVIS records were terminated based on vague or unjustified reasons, creating significant anxiety and uncertainty. As the case unfolds, it highlights broader implications for international enrollment and immigration policies.

International Students Push Back Against ICE in Federal Lawsuit

Atlanta, Georgia – There’s a storm brewing in the Peach State as a group of 17 international students band together to take a stand against what they claim are unjust actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. The students have filed a federal lawsuit in Georgia, asserting that their student status was snatched away without any fair warning or due process. This ongoing situation is reminiscent of the tug-of-war many international scholars have faced over the years regarding their rights in the U.S.

A Closer Look at the Lawsuit

The group is bringing their grievances to the Northern District of Georgia, where they accuse ICE of mishandling records that affected their legal status as students. The crux of their argument concerns the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)—a database that monitors international students. The plaintiffs maintain that ICE improperly terminated their statuses, despite them adhering to the terms of their visas.

Among the defendants in this case are heavy hitters like U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. To keep their identities under wraps and to avoid any potential backlash, the students are referred to by pseudonyms such as Jane Doe 1 and John Doe 2.

What’s Behind the Termination?

The students allege that their SEVIS records were suddenly marked as “terminated” based on vague reasons, such as references to minor criminal background checks or traffic citations. For instance, Jane Doe 1, a Division I athlete at Kennesaw State University from Colombia, found her status revoked after a domestic violence charge that had been dismissed. Can you imagine getting so close to graduation only to have a similar fate? That’s the story of John Doe 3, a senior at Georgia Tech, who learned of his termination days before walking the stage—all due to a traffic citation!

This abrupt and enigmatic revocation caused quite a stir as reports hint that many terminations were linked to inconsequential issues like juvenile records or dismissed charges—without any formal convictions or deportable offenses. Sadly, many students received no proper justification, leaving them confused and anxious about their future.

The Legal Battle Ahead

The lawsuit charges that ICE has violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Fifth Amendment by acting without due process. The students argue they were not given the chance to contest these terminations, creating what some might call chaos in schools that have had to scramble to understand the new policies affecting their international attendees.

Interestingly, the complaint points out that even if a student’s visa were revoked, ICE doesn’t have the authority to terminate their SEVIS status. The plaintiffs argue there’s a legally protected interest in maintaining their status, as it directly impacts their education and ability to re-enter the country.

Impact on Education and International Enrollment

It’s crucial to note that while the lawsuit unfolds, there are broader implications at play. The shifting policies of immigration enforcement have sparked fears among international students and universities. Concurrently, numerous schools, including the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech, found out about these mass terminations from the media rather than direct communication with ICE, leaving them equally in the dark.

The attorneys for the students are seeking an urgent ruling from the court that would temporarily restore the SEVIS registrations and related legal statuses, including work authorizations. The situation remains fluid, and as of now, the court has yet to rule on the request for emergency relief. This case is just one part of a larger pattern, as many attorneys across the country are filing similar suits on behalf of international students subjected to these unexpected terminations.

As tensions rise and the students look for answers, one thing is clear: this lawsuit shines a spotlight on a critical issue that could have lasting effects on the future of higher education and international enrollment in the United States.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Visa Woes for International Students: A Worrying Trend Unfolds

Additional Resources

• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Atlanta News First
• WSB Radio
• Wikipedia: International Student
• AJC
• Encyclopedia Britannica: International Student