Students in the US Face Uncertain Future as Visas Vanish

Students from other countries studying in the US are in a tough spot. Hundreds have had their visas canceled in recent weeks. This has left them in legal limbo, facing possible detention and deportation. The students are from all sorts of schools, from big public universities to small private colleges. At least 901 students at 128 schools have been affected since mid-March. The numbers might be even higher, with some reports suggesting over 1, 300 students have had their legal status changed. The students are fighting back. They've filed lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security. They claim the government didn't give them a fair chance to defend themselves. Some students say they don't even know why their visas were canceled. It could be for minor infractions, like old traffic tickets. Others say there's no clear reason at all. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has accused the government of having a policy to mass-terminate student visas. Courts are starting to take notice. A federal judge in New Hampshire issued a restraining order for a student from China. Similar challenges are happening in other states. The Trump administration has been quiet on the issue, not responding to requests for comment. But the administration has argued in the past that it can deport non-citizens involved in certain activities. Students from other countries have to jump through hoops to study in the US. They need a student visa, usually an F-1. They have to prove they can support themselves financially and stay in good academic standing. Their legal status is overseen by the Department of Homeland Security once they're in the US. But recently, colleges have found out about students' legal status changes by checking a database. This is a shift from the past, where changes were usually communicated after students left the school. The lack of clear communication is causing a lot of fear and uncertainty. College leaders are worried that this could discourage students from other countries from studying in the US. They're also concerned about the impact on their campuses. Some colleges have had to deal with students suddenly leaving the country to avoid arrest. Others are trying to figure out how to support students who are in limbo. The situation is fluid and changing quickly. College leaders are asking the federal government for answers. They're also advising students to be careful and carry their immigration documents with them. It's a challenging time for international students in the US. They're navigating a complex legal landscape and trying to focus on their studies.