US Revoking Visas of Indian Students Acquitted by Courts

An Indian student in the US had his identity stolen and misused by a friend. After reporting the incident to the authorities, presenting video evidence, and going through the legal process, the court proved him innocent. However, the authorities still canceled his student visa and terminated his SEVIS record. As a result, he may now have to self-deport. This is not an isolated case, as many Indian students in the US have faced visa revocations despite courts clearing them or for minor infractions like traffic violations. Chand Paravathneni, a Texas-based immigration lawyer handling more than 30 similar cases, mentioned that many Indian students recently received notifications about their visa cancellations.

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Rising Visa Cancellations and Self-Deportation of Indian Students

The identities of these students, who might face self-deportation, remain undisclosed. This phenomenon, where visa cancellations lead to self-deportation, is becoming more common and is a result of stricter immigration policies under US President Donald Trump’s administration. Many of these students have invested large sums in their education, taking loans to pursue their degrees, but are now unable to complete their studies. Paravathneni noted that a simple flag in the system, even for minor offenses, is often enough to revoke a student’s visa.

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SEVIS Termination Impact of Minor Offenses and Self-Deportation

When a student’s SEVIS record terminates, their legal status becomes invalid immediately, leaving them with two options: leave the US within 15 days or take legal steps to restore their status. Failing to do so may lead to deportation and long-term visa restrictions. Students can arrange self-deportation through the CBP One app. Several visa cancellations involve minor offenses, such as traffic violations or cases where courts later found students not guilty.

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Visa Cancellations Despite Court Rulings Legal Options and Self-Deportation

Another case involved a student arrested for driving with a learner’s permit, despite complying with the law. Similarly, authorities affected the visa status of other students found not guilty in domestic violence, shoplifting, or DUI cases. A student also faced complications due to an old record flagged at the Port of Entry, even though they later obtained a valid visa and had no criminal history. Paravathneni emphasized that students whose visas have been canceled can contest the revocation through legal recourse and should treat self-deportation as a last resort.

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