Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli drone strikes town of Harouf, Nabatieh district.
Factions' statement: The attendees agreed to support and continue implementing the ceasefire agreement measures, including the withdrawal of the occupation and lifting the siege.
Factions' statement: Calling for an end to all forms of torture and violations against prisoners in occupation prisons and the necessity of obligating the occupation to do so.
Statement: The current moment is crucial, making the meeting a true turning point toward national unity in defense of our people and their right to life, dignity, and freedom.
Factions' statement: Call for an urgent meeting of all Palestinian forces and factions to agree on a national strategy.
Factions' statement: Continuing joint work to unify visions and positions to confront the challenges facing the Palestinian cause.
Statement of the factions: Emphasis on the unity of the Palestinian political system and the independent national decision.
Statement: Approval to establish an international committee to oversee the financing and implementation of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Statement: The committee is responsible for managing life and services in cooperation with Arab brothers and international institutions, based on transparency and accountability.
Resistance factions' statement: Agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a temporary Palestinian committee of independent technocrats.

US universities shield foreign students from Trump deportation threats

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 25 Apr 2025 17:00
  • 1 Shares
4 Min Read

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.

Listen
  • x
  • US universities help foreign students weather Trump deportations
    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.

Related News

Argentina goes to polls amid economic crisis and Trump 'interference'

Inside Rubio's push for government change in Venezuela: Drop Site

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.

  • United States
  • Donald Trump
  • US President Donald Trump
  • India
  • mass deportations
  • Trump administration
  • US universities

Most Read

From previous scenes of the Qassam Brigades targeting an Israeli D9 bulldozer with a Yassin 105 shell, east of Deir al-Balah. (Military Media of the Qassam Brigades)

US knew fatal Rafah blast cause was not Hamas op., says journalist

  • Politics
  • 20 Oct 2025
'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

  • Technology
  • 24 Oct 2025
Abu Hamza, the spokesperson for the Al-Quds Brigades, during a speech televised on October 22, 2025 (Al-Quds Brigades Military Media)

Al-Quds Brigades' Abu Hamza mourns leaders, vows continued resistance

  • Politics
  • 22 Oct 2025
US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

  • Africa
  • 23 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
The Mann beach lighthouse stands next to Naufragio Bay in San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, May 2, 2020. (AP)
Politics

Ecuador's Noboa considering hosting foreign military bases

Inside Rubio's push for government change in Venezuela: DropSite
Politics

Inside Rubio's push for government change in Venezuela: Drop Site

Maduro rejects US accusations, highlights ties with Colombia
Politics

Maduro rejects US accusations, highlights ties with Colombia

Pentagon accepts $130M anonymous donation during shutdown
Politics

Pentagon accepts $130 mln anonymous donation during shutdown

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS