Georgia District Court provides interim relief: 133 International students’ legal status ends

In an important judgment, the US District Court (Northern District of Georgia) has given temporary relief to 133 International students Who faced a sudden termination of his student and exchange visitor Information System (SEVIS) record. With ending their legal status, this district was not for the intervention of the court, students would have to deport.
District court issued on Friday evening Temporary prohibitory order (TRO), ordering Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to restore the sevis records of the plaintiff on 31 March 2025 to reinstall. It also stopped federal officials from using or disclosing the personal information of students outside the scope of this litigation. By Tuesday, US government agencies (defendants of the case) have been ordered to file a notice of compliance with the order.
Students, all F -1 visa holderAn immediate argument was filed by the federal immigration officers alleging illegal works. This lawsuit is the largest of its kind related to the termination of service. All of them were actively enrolled in colleges and universities across the US – many of them were weeks away from graduates, or alternately undergoing alternative practical training (opt). International students can gain work experience under the opt program for one year on completion of their studies, this period is extended to those with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sections to two years.
Charles K, Kak Bacter’s founder partner, A immigration Law The firm representing the students told TOI, “ignoring the immigration laws and policies set by the Trump administration, as it belongs to foreign students, it is not only surprising, but is dangerous. It sends a message that will be the best and most talented students for a generation who will be distinguished in America and will carry forward their education options for the US.” It will be bad. ,
All 133 international students proceeded pseudally with the lawsuit and demanded a temporary preventive order (TRO) against officials (DHS), immigration and customs enforcement (ICE), and US Attorney General officials. It was motivated by notices received between April 1 and April 14, in which they were informed that their sevis record was abolished – either criminal background check, visa rebellion, or perceived failure to maintain a valid position.
The lawsuit is the greatest of its kind about the termination of service, the students argued that the termination was baseless and procedurally inappropriate. He emphasized that he had no criminal records and complied with all the legal needs of his student visa.
In their complaint, the students alleged violations of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and fifth amendment fixed process segment. He argued that the existence activities lacked proper notice, devoid of a clear legal basis, and were executed without giving them the opportunity to respond. He claimed that the termination, arbitrary, frugal, and immigration agencies were beyond the legal authority.
He said that after being admitted to the US once with F -1 visa, international students are allowed to stay for the ‘duration of status’, as long as they meet the requirements of this visa – maintain the full course of study and avoid unauthorized employment.
In some, but in all these cases, the US State Department (DOS) has canceled the student’s visa. However, F -1 visa dismissal does not affect the legitimate presence of a person in the country. For example, the plaintiff said that it is the termination of sevis registration that has made him unsafe for destructive immigration results such as detention and exile, as well as irreparable losses.
The district court agreed with the plaintiff, found that he had demonstrated a sufficient possibility of success on the merits of his case. In particular, the district court admitted that the power to eliminate the F -1 position of DHS is tightly forced by regulation and has not been implemented in this situation.
Judge Victoria Mary Calvert saw that visa cancellation is not equal to the loss of legal immigration status alone and it cannot be used for justification Termination of serviceParticularly he said, “There are enough public interests in following the federal laws of government agencies that control their existence and operation.”
According to immigration lawyers, this line captures the origin of the logic of the district court – it is not only about protecting students, but also to ensure that government agencies work within the law. This underlines the principle that following legal processes is fundamental, even in cases related to immigration and national security.
Judge Calvert also acknowledged irreparable losses faced by students: loss of educational opportunities, expulsion on short notice from the US, seizure of scholarships and jobs, and severe emotional crisis. He cited the same decisions as other district courts, which confirmed the need for judicial inspection.
The court rejected the argument that students could be sought relief under the Privacy Act, given that the Act does not cover international students, but applies to permanent residents (green card holders) and American citizens.