In a significant legal move, a class action lawsuit was filed on Friday, April 18, 2023, by several affiliates of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Washington, D.C. The lawsuit calls upon a federal court to restore the legal status of international students who have unjustly lost their visas due to a series of actions taken by the Trump administration. This crackdown has left over a thousand students across the United States in a state of anxiety and fear, as they now face the imminent threat of deportation.

The lawsuit aims to represent more than 100 international students from New England and Puerto Rico, highlighting their critical role in the academic and cultural fabric of American universities. "International students are a vital community in our states universities, and no administration should be allowed to circumvent the law to unilaterally strip students of status, disrupt their studies, and put them at risk of deportation, stated Gilles Bissonnette, the legal director of the ACLU of New Hampshire. This statement underscores the importance of protecting the rights of these students, who contribute significantly to the diversity and educational depth of their respective institutions.

Since late March, reports indicate that approximately 1,100 international students from more than 170 colleges and universities, as well as university systems across the nation, have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated with scant notice. An Associated Press review, which involved examining university statements, correspondence with school officials, and court records, has confirmed these alarming figures. Furthermore, the AP is actively working to verify claims that hundreds more students may also be affected by this sweeping policy.

In response to the sudden revocation of their visa statuses, numerous students have sought redress through other lawsuits, arguing that they were denied due process during the revocation process. In support of these students, federal judges in New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Montana have issued temporary restraining orders to protect them from being forcibly removed from the United States. These judicial actions reflect a growing recognition of the need for legal protections for international students, who are often left vulnerable by abrupt policy changes.

The implications of this legal battle extend beyond individual students; they touch on broader questions about immigration policy and the treatment of non-citizens in America. As the case unfolds, it raises critical discussions about the legal rights of international students and the responsibilities of the U.S. government in safeguarding those rights. With educational institutions relying heavily on the contributions of these students, the outcome of this lawsuit may have lasting effects on the future of international education in the United States.