US universities shield foreign students from Trump deportation threats
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The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has removed over 4,700 names from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), often citing alleged criminal activity.
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Protesters rally outside the Rhode Island State House in support of deported Brown University Dr. Rasha Alawieh, on March 17, 2025 (AP)
From cautioning students against international travel to offering support for completing their degrees, US universities are stepping in to help international students navigate the challenges posed by President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
First, immigration authorities detained students participating in pro-Palestine demonstrations. Then, thousands of international students faced potential deportation for minor infractions and arrests.
Now, according to interviews conducted by Reuters with more than two dozen students, immigration lawyers, and university officials, some campus advisors are quietly recommending that foreign students retain legal counsel and continue attending classes while their appeals are underway.
University faculty members have taken legal action to challenge the constitutionality of the student arrests.
Read more: FBI, police storm homes of pro-Palestine activists in US Michigan
$44 billion from international students at stake
With a record 1.1 million international students in the US, the $44 billion they contributed to the economy last year is on the line, according to the Association of American Universities, a group that advocates for higher education.
But the issue goes beyond financial impact. MIT President Sally Kornbluth emphasized the importance of international talent, stating that her institution was "an American university, proudly so – but we would be gravely diminished without the students and scholars who join us from other nations."
More than half of international students in the US come from India and China, according to the advocacy group Institute of International Education.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has removed over 4,700 names from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), often citing alleged criminal activity, according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Nearly half of those removed are Indian students, many of whom were participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT), a work experience program for recent graduates, based on an AILA analysis of 327 cases.
Self-deport or stay and fight?
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security urged the students who had their SEVIS status canceled to depart, warning that the department will "arrest, deport you, and you will never return."
University administrators advise full-time students to consult a lawyer. Those who oppose being removed from SEVIS would be permitted to continue studying, according to an official who advises international students at one large institution, who requested anonymity in order to speak about the matter.
According to Reuters, more than 200 students removed from SEVIS have obtained court orders temporarily prohibiting the government from pursuing action against them.
Several universities are taking steps to support international students amid immigration concerns. George Mason University is encouraging students to seek counseling for academic options, while the University of California is exploring ways for students to continue their studies.
Duke University has advised international students not to leave the US, warning that they might not be allowed back in the fall, knowing that some students have chosen to self-deport.
Testimonies
For instance, Momadou Taal, who led pro-Palestine protests at Cornell University, left in March after being told to surrender to immigration officials.
"I'll be able to finish up remotely," said Taal, a dual citizen of the UK and Gambia who planned to complete his studies in the United Kingdom.
An Indian student in Georgia said his legal status was revoked after he was identified in criminal records showing he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. The charge was dismissed, he said.
"My college is letting me continue," said the computer science undergraduate, adding that he was being careful.
"If I see anyone in a uniform, I turn around," he said, requesting anonymity.
