For Immediate Release
Monday, April 7, 2025
Contact:
media@nipnlg.org
Washington, DC – Over the weekend, two international students in California represented by the National Immigration Project, the Law Offices of Stacy Tolchin, and Clinical Professor of Law Annie Lai at the University of California, Irvine filed cases challenging U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's abrupt and unlawful termination of their student status. The lawsuits come amid reports that similar terminations are affecting hundreds—and possibly more than a thousand—international students nationwide, particularly those from African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and Asian backgrounds. The cases were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
The students are seeking to proceed anonymously due to fear of retaliation. However, both reside in Southern California and were fully adhering to the requirements of their student status at the time of termination. While their visas were apparently revoked as part of a new policy of the administration, the lawsuits explain that visas are distinct from status and that visa revocation alone does not constitute grounds for ending student status under the law.
“These are not isolated cases,” said Khaled Alrabe, Staff Attorney at the National Immigration Project. “We are witnessing a disturbing trend where international students across the nation are losing their status abruptly and without legal justification. ICE is unlawfully using student status terminations to coerce students to give up their studies and leave the country without any meaningful process or opportunity to challenge what’s happening."
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The National Immigration Project is a membership organization of attorneys, advocates, and community members who believe that all people should be treated with dignity, live freely, and flourish. We litigate, advocate, educate, and build bridges across movements to ensure that those most impacted by the immigration and criminal systems are uplifted and supported. Learn more at nipnlg.org. Follow the National Immigration Project on Facebook, X, BlueSky, and Instagram at @NIPNLG.