Student Legal Services is an independent, non-profit law office. Student Legal Services is not an Ohio State University department.
Immigration
Student Legal Services may provide legal advice and representation for immigration and naturalization cases.
Practice Alert: Students Terminated SEVIS Records Restored by ICE SEVP
Source: American Immigration Lawyers Association (posted 4/25/2025)
On April 24, 2025, AILA members began reporting that terminated SEVIS records of international students were being affirmatively restored by ICE SEVP.
By AILA’s Student Visa Task Force
On April 24, 2025, AILA members began reporting that terminated SEVIS records of international students were being affirmatively restored by ICE SEVP. This is after AILA members took to the courts to challenge the arbitrary and unlawful terminations of SEVIS records of F-1 students. The scope of the restoration of their SEVIS status is not clear. However, some students whose SEVIS records were restored had filed litigation, while others had not. Some reports include students who had prior infractions and arrest histories who also had their SEVIS status restored. AILA has not received reports of SEVIS restoration for individuals whose SEVIS records were terminated for political protest.
No formal announcement has been made by ICE yet, but on April 25th AILA received reports that agency counsel informed those involved in the litigation that ICE is developing a policy that will provide a framework for SEVIS record terminations. According to this reporting, until such a policy is issued, the SEVIS records for plaintiff(s) in this case (and other similarly situated plaintiffs) will remain Active or shall be re-activated if not currently active and ICE will not modify the record solely based on the NCIC finding that resulted in the recent SEVIS record termination. ICE asserts that the agency maintains the authority to terminate a SEVIS record.
It is recommended that students affirmatively reach out to their Designated School Officials (DSOs) to check if their SEVIS record, including their OPT (where applicable), has been restored and is accurate. If the record is not accurate, the DSO should request a correction (“data fix”) through the SEVP Response Center (SRC). There have not been corollary reports of revoked visas being reinstated, although that is not expected. An international student whose visa has been revoked, but whose SEVIS record was restored, would likely need to reapply for a visa if they leave or have left the United States before returning.
Eligible Ohio State students should schedule an appointment with a Student Legal Services attorney to discuss their specific legal matter to determine the scope of services provided. Types of issues covered may include:
- Adjustment of Status
- Victims of Crime
- Visas
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Naturalization Citizenship
- Green Cards
- Family Based
- DACA
- Asylum
- Employment based / Natural Interest Waivers (NIW)
Student Legal Services cannot represent students in removal proceedings or in federal court. We can, however, advise students about the options in their specific legal situation and refer them to other resources for representation.
The ACLU and National Immigration Law Center provide information to immigrants, including interactions with law enforcement agencies.
While U.S. citizens are not required to carry proof of citizenship, they can apply for a U.S. Passport Book, which does provide proof of U.S. citizenship. You may also consider applying for a Passport Card, which also provides proof of citizenship and may be easier to carry with you.
- Past involvement in protests or other political activities (petitions, social media posts, etc.).
- Prior criminal charges for any offense, including misdemeanors for minor traffic violations and other offenses. This includes charges that have been dismissed, sealed, or expunged from your record.
- This list is subject to change and may expand.
- While consulates have emailed some students about visa revocation, not all students have received email communications regarding revocation. You should monitor all email accounts, including and particularly the email account associated with your visa application.
- Visa status can be checked directly and should be monitored by all students who hold F-1 or J-1 visas: https://ceac.state.gov/ceacstattracker/status.aspx
- The Ohio State University, Office of Internal Affairs is alerting students whose record has been terminated in SEVIS.
Possibly, but reports have been rare. Once a person’s visa is revoked, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can choose whether to start the legal process of deporting them, called “removal proceedings.” If ICE starts removal proceedings against a person, they can also choose whether to arrest and detain the person during the course of the proceedings, which can last months or years.
- If detained, you may be removed from Ohio and placed in a facility outside of Ohio. While you may request release in exchange for paying a bond, that process can take several weeks or more. Release is not guaranteed.
- Reports of students arrested and detained thus far have been limited to those involved in political activity and students with alcohol-related driving charges. However, this is subject to change and may expand.
- If formally deported, you cannot re-enter the U.S. for 10 years.
Contact Student Legal Services to schedule an appointment.
- If you are an Ohio State student, call or text 614-247-5853 or email studentlegal@osu.edu.
- If you are a Bowling Green student, call or text (419) 372-2951.
- If you are a Kent State student, call or text (330) 672-9550.
- If you are a Wright State student, call or text (937) 775-5857.
Student Legal Services offices are a confidential resource, not a department of the University. Student Legal Services will not share your information with anyone without your permission.
Student Legal Services cannot represent students in removal proceedings or in federal court. We can, however, advise students about the options in their specific legal situation and refer them to other resources for representation.
- If your visa has been revoked and/or your status has been terminated: If you leave the U.S. voluntarily before you would be detained, you will be safe from immigration enforcement, but you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. without a new visa. Getting a new visa is unlikely at this time. If you choose to leave the U.S., you should assume that you will not be able to return.
- If your visa has not been revoked and your status has not been terminated: You may still travel and re-enter the U.S. with a valid visa and current I-20, but international travel is a risk. Your visa could be revoked while you are outside of the U.S., barring you from re-entry. Even with valid documents, there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to re-enter the U.S. Students with any history of criminal or traffic charges or any involvement in political activity should not leave the U.S. unless necessary.
- If your visa has been revoked and/or your status has been terminated: Travel within the U.S. is permissible, but you risk arrest and detention if encountering U.S. government agents, such as at the airports.
- If your visa has not been revoked and your status has not been terminated: Yes, you may travel within the U.S.
No! Neither the U.S. government nor the University will ask you for money or other things of value (such as gift cards or bitcoin) in exchange for keeping or reinstating your visa or your status. If you receive any communication to this effect, it is a scam and should be disregarded.
- Know your rights if you are contacted by immigration officers: The ACLU and National Immigration Law Center provide information to immigrants, including interactions with law enforcement agencies.
- Consider signing a Financial Power of Attorney (FPOA) so that a trusted friend or family member can manage your financial affairs if you have to leave the U.S. To create an FPOA, if you are a student at the following universities, you can make an appointment with Student Legal Services.
Ohio State: Schedule an appointment at https://studentlegal.osu.edu and use the New-Healthcare POA & Wills schedule
Bowling Green: Call or text (419) 372-2951 to schedule an appointment.
Kent State: Visit https://www.kent.edu/sls/make-appointment.
Wright State: Call (937) 775-5857 to schedule an appointment.
The information provided herein is not a replacement for legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact a lawyer. Eligible Ohio State students may schedule an appointment for services online or by calling our office at (614) 247-5853.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not intended to create, nor shall the receipt of such information constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information on this website without first seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. This website may contain links to other websites, for which we are not responsible. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided, and we disclaim all liability for any actions taken or not taken in reliance on this information.