Many international students studying in the United States have faced serious problems after the government suddenly ended their legal status. One student in Houston lost his job in a lab and, scared of being detained, returned to his home country in South Asia with a one-way ticket. Even though the Trump administration later reversed its strict rules on international students, this student cannot come back because his visa was canceled. This situation has left him feeling “stranded.”
What Happened to These Students?
Earlier this year, more than 4,700 international students had their permission to study in the U.S. canceled with little or no warning. The government checked their names against a database run by the FBI, which includes people suspected or arrested—even if those people were never charged with a crime or had their charges dropped. Many students were shocked by this sudden decision.
Some students had to leave the country quickly. Others have faced big challenges trying to go back to their schools or jobs. Many feel anxious and worried about their futures because Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) now has more reasons to cancel a student’s legal status. They fear it could happen again.
Legal Fight and Government Response
Lawyers for these students went to court to ask for protection for all affected students in the U.S. They want a nationwide rule to stop the government from canceling student statuses without good reason. However, government lawyers said that ICE is sending letters to students to reactivate their status, which should help them return to school or work. But the lawyers for students said these letters don’t solve the problem because ICE can still cancel statuses anytime, and there’s no proof that the State Department is fixing revoked visas.
The Struggles of Returning and Rebuilding
The student from Houston left within a week of his status being ended. He also got an email saying his visa was revoked, likely because of an old fraud case that was dismissed in 2021. He had built a life in the U.S. for almost ten years, working legally under a program that lets students work for up to three years after finishing school. Now, he is back in his home country, living with his mother and looking for work. The wait time to get a new U.S. visa interview is over a year. Even if he got a visa again, returning would be tough because he owes money on a car loan and credit cards in the U.S., and his credit score has dropped.
He explained, “Revoking a visa or student status does not just affect education. It affects the whole life.” He also shared his feelings of loneliness and grief after losing his father recently.
Other Students Face Similar Fears
Another student from Nepal, who was arrested years ago for drunk driving but completed all court requirements, also had his status terminated. Although his status was later restored and he returned to his job, he said the experience was stressful. He feels if there’s a better chance elsewhere, like in Canada or New Zealand, he would leave the U.S.
A Ph.D. student at Iowa State University said losing his status was a “dark period.” He had a ticket to go back to Bangladesh and felt watched when outside. His termination was linked to pending marijuana charges, though he was not convicted. After getting his status back, he resumed his teaching assistant job but had to catch up on weeks of missed work. Still, he plans to leave the U.S. soon because he doesn’t want to risk losing his status again.
Many international students in the U.S. have faced sudden visa cancellations that caused deep worry, financial problems, and mental stress. Even as some statuses are reinstated, the fear of losing their place in school or work remains. Returning to the U.S. is not easy for those who left, especially with long visa waits and financial troubles. The situation shows how fragile the future can be for international students, who often come with hopes of better education and career chances. They now face a difficult path to rebuild their lives and continue their studies safely.
