An Indian student studying in the United States has landed in an emotional and legal crisis after his student visa was revoked, despite being declared not guilty by a US court. The student had fallen victim to identity theft, and though he pursued the right legal channels and successfully proved his innocence, his SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record was terminated, endangering his stay in the US and academic future.

A Case of Misused Identity and Legal Vindication

The unnamed student’s ordeal began when his identity was stolen and misused. Upon discovery, he took every legal step necessary:

• He reported the identity theft to authorities.

• Presented video evidence in court to prove the misuse.

• Fought his case legally and emerged with a clean chit.

However, the nightmare didn’t end there. Even though the court cleared him, his visa status was affected, with his SEVIS record terminated, a move that led to the revocation of his F-1 visa.

What is SEVIS and Why It Matters

The SEVIS database is maintained by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It tracks students on F-1 (academic), M-1 (vocational), and J-1 (exchange visitor) visas. If a SEVIS record is terminated, the student immediately loses legal status in the US. The student must then either:

• Leave the US within 15 days, or

• Pursue legal action to reverse the decision and regain status.

Failure to comply can result in deportation and a ban from future visa applications.

Rising Trend of Visa Revocations Among Indian Students

According to immigration attorney Chand Paravathneni, based in Texas, there has been a surge in similar cases. Speaking to India Today Digital, Paravathneni revealed that he is handling over 30 such cases involving Indian students whose visas were revoked, even though many were innocent or charged with minor infractions such as:

• Traffic violations like speeding

• Low-level charges such as shoplifting

The trend has emerged as a troubling pattern where a single red flag—regardless of legal outcome—has been enough for US authorities to cancel student visas.

“These students have spent lakhs of rupees, often through educational loans, and now they can’t even complete their degrees,” Paravathneni noted.
“The common thread is that they were flagged once—and that’s all it took.”

Legal Options Are Available—But Not Easy

Paravathneni emphasized that legal recourse is possible, and students should not rush into self-deportation.

“Self-deportation should always be the last resort,” he stated.
“Students can contest the revocation and even request that their visa status be reinstated through legal filings.”

However, legal battles can be expensive and time-consuming, and for many students already under financial stress, it becomes a daunting uphill task.

ACLU Lawsuit Raises Broader Alarm

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Hampshire filed a lawsuit earlier this week, drawing attention to this broader issue. The lawsuit represents Xiaotian Liu, a Chinese student at Dartmouth College, who also had his visa revoked without notice.

According to Gilles Bissonnette, Legal Director at ACLU NH:

“We are alarmed by the sudden revocation of student visas without notice or explanation under the Trump administration’s policies.”

Bissonnette added that international students are a vital part of American campuses and warned against arbitrary actions that disrupt their lives and academic pursuits.

Impact on Indian Students and Education Sector

For Indian students, this issue is not just personal—it reflects a larger systemic concern. Thousands of students migrate to the US annually, investing heavily in:

• Tuition fees

• Living expenses

• Loan repayments

• Career aspirations

A single incident or system flaw can lead to irreversible consequences, and the Indian student community is now more cautious than ever.

Government Response Still Awaited

So far, there has been no official statement from Indian authorities, but concerns are rising among Indian diplomatic circles in the US. With multiple students affected, calls are mounting for bilateral dialogue on student visa protections and due process for international students.

Final Thoughts: Urgent Need for Policy Clarity

This situation underscores the urgent need for:

• Transparent visa processes

• Student rights awareness

• Legal aid accessibility for international students

• Revised protocols for SEVIS terminations

Students must stay informed, seek legal assistance promptly, and maintain accurate documentation to defend themselves if faced with such challenges.

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