DHS Restores SEVIS records for U-M students and graduates amid ongoing immigration uncertainty

The terminations were first discovered by U-M staff during routine SEVIS monitoring earlier this month. DHS holds unilateral authority to revoke SEVIS records without prior notification to institutions, while the State Department manages visa revocations directly with students. Neither agency has disclosed the reasoning behind targeting these 25 individuals, and U-M has confirmed that it did not provide student data to federal authorities.

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	Neither agency has disclosed the reasoning behind targeting these 25 individuals, and U-M has confirmed that it did not provide student data to federal authorities. No related law enforcement actions have been reported on campus.
	DHS restores SEVIS records for U-M students and graduates amid ongoing immigration uncertainty Tanya Sommerfield - Immigration/Law Tell Us Detroit ANN ARBOR, Mich. – In a crucial reversal, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has quietly reinstated immigration records for 25 University of Michigan (U-M) affiliates—14 current students and 11 recent graduates—following the sudden termination of their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records. This reinstatement ensures they can legally remain in the U.S. to continue their studies or employment. With an international student community of 7,704 enrolled students and 2,497 graduates engaged in post-graduate training programs, U-M’s International Center has been a vital resource in navigating the crisis. "This remains a highly fluid situation with significant unanswered questions," said Judith Pennywell, director of the International Center. "Our priority is clear communication and ensuring access to legal support to protect our students' stability and rights." Federal Authority and Lingering Questions The terminations were first discovered by U-M staff during routine SEVIS monitoring earlier this month. DHS holds unilateral authority to revoke SEVIS records without prior notification to institutions, while the State Department manages visa revocations directly with students. Neither agency has disclosed the reasoning behind targeting these 25 individuals, and U-M has confirmed that it did not provide student data to federal authorities. No related law enforcement actions have been reported on campus. Nationwide Impact on International Students The abrupt terminations reflect a larger national trend affecting over 1,800 international students across more than 280 U.S. institutions, leading to legal challenges alleging arbitrary enforcement. Advocacy groups, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association, argue that such actions disrupt academic and professional paths without due process. While legal efforts have pressured DHS to reinstate some records, transparency in enforcement remains a significant concern. Expanded Support and Preventative Measures In response, U-M has intensified its support for international students, increasing personalized consultations through the International Center and advising students to verify visa validity before traveling. Additionally, the university provides free consultations with external immigration attorneys through Student Legal Services and maintains a dedicated “Federal Actions” webpage for policy updates and resources. Reaffirming its commitment, U-M emphasizes the vital contributions of international scholars to its academic mission and remains vigilant in safeguarding their rights amidst shifting federal policies.