A Tucson attorney, Matthew Green, has filed a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of unlawfully revoking the visas of international students, affecting more than 1,300 individuals across the United States. This legal challenge, filed on behalf of two students, argues that the actions taken by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were abrupt, unlawful, and in violation of federal law.
The two students involved in the lawsuit, both of whom were pursuing graduate studies in the US, had their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records terminated, a move that directly impacts their ability to remain in the country. The suit was filed in federal court on April 14, 2025, and claims that the revocation of their student status is part of a larger pattern of ICE and DHS actions affecting hundreds of students across the country. According to the lawsuit, this policy has led to the wrongful cancellation of student visas for individuals who have not violated the terms of their stay.
Lawsuit calls US actions unlawful
As reported by the Tucson Sentinel, the lawsuit accuses ICE of targeting international students, particularly from minority backgrounds, for visa cancellations. Matthew Green, the Tucson-based attorney representing the students, described the terminations as part of an ongoing crackdown that could affect many more F-1 visa holders nationwide. Green argues that the policy appears to be aimed at coercing students into leaving the US “despite not violating their status,” a tactic he believes forces students to “self-deport.”
The lawsuit seeks to reverse the visa terminations and stop any enforcement actions related to the revocations. Green has asked the court to block ICE from detaining his clients while the case is being decided. “The dismissed misdemeanor charge does not render plaintiffs inadmissible to or deportable from the United States,” Green said, referring to the fact that both students had minor offenses on their records, which were later dismissed by prosecutors. As quoted by the Tucson Sentinel, Green stressed that the termination of their SEVIS records was unjust, especially given the students’ legal status.
Growing concerns over international student treatment
The Trump administration’s actions have drawn widespread concern among educational institutions and legal experts. According to ICE data, nearly 22,000 international students are enrolled in US universities and colleges, with a significant portion of these students coming from Asia. Among these, nearly 44 percent are pursuing graduate-level studies, while around 34 percent are enrolled in undergraduate programs.
The revocation of these visas has been particularly problematic for students at institutions such as Arizona State University, where at least 50 students have reported losing their visas. College officials have expressed concerns about the broader implications for international students, who contribute significantly to US educational institutions.
As reported by the Tucson Sentinel, Green highlighted the severe impact on international students, particularly those from African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and Asian communities. The lawsuit claims that ICE’s actions are discriminatory and unlawful, with the aim of undermining the educational opportunities of these students.
The future of international students in the US
The controversy surrounding the termination of SEVIS records has raised questions about the future of international students in the US Educational institutions are now closely monitoring the outcome of the lawsuit, which could set a significant precedent for how the US government handles student visas moving forward. As the case unfolds, many are watching to see whether the courts will protect the rights of international students or allow the Trump administration’s policy to stand.
As the situation develops, both legal experts and educational institutions continue to argue that the removal of legal status for international students is a significant threat to US higher education, which relies heavily on foreign students for academic and financial contributions. The outcome of this case could have lasting consequences for how the US treats international students in the future.