Students United Statement: Trump Administration Reverses Course, Restores SEVIS Records for International Students

As of today, April 25th, the Trump administration has reversed the termination of international students’ SEVIS records.  

We’re grateful for this change of course by the administration, but we understand that it has come at a deep cost for our international students, the staff and faculty who support them, and our campuses.   This decision doesn’t come out of a change of heart by the administration, but instead from the pressure our students, allies at the state and federal government, and the federal court system has put on the administration.   

Throughout this crisis, we’ve seen that Minnesota State University students show up for one another, care deeply for their international peers, and will fight for our communities. We’re proud to represent these dedicated and determined students. 

It’s important to acknowledge that despite the reversal from the administration, students have been irreparably harmed. Students have lost valuable class time, were unable to continue practicums or go to work, and have spent considerable time and financial resources on legal support. The difficulties these students have faced in the last month affect not just them but have had ripple effects throughout their communities.   

This is not the end of our fight. In the coming months, we will continue to see new ways of targeting our communities. It’s incumbent upon us, as students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members, to continue fighting back against attacks on our campuses, our fellow students and colleagues, and our constitutional rights.   

As we win one battle, we look to win the next. Mohammed Hoque and other current and former students are still detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Prospective students are having issues obtaining visas in order to attend our universities. Students United is committed to monitoring the ongoing overreach by the federal government, and ensuring that our students are welcomed not only on our campus, but by our state.   

The fear sown by this administration’s callous termination of SEVIS records will have long lasting impacts on our communities. Students United will continue to support our students and our campuses as they navigate these issues as they arise, and we call upon our representatives at the state and federal level to stand up and fight for our campuses and our students.