Since taking office in January, both President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have made the news for revoking student visas for minor offenses and policy disagreements. However, in a sudden policy shift, the Department of Justice announced in court that immigration officials had rolled back a rule that had placed thousands of international students at risk of visa revocation.

While the change temporarily resolves some legal challenges, it does very little to simplify the situation international students face. Instead, it seems that these policy changes may bring more volatility. One thing is for certain; the changes do not eliminate the impact of institutional discipline on a student's immigration standing.

International students can face school discipline and have their visas revoked for minor issues. Taking a proactive approach to discipline to prevent it from escalating is the key to success. The Lento Law Firm's education attorneys work with students nationwide, handling academic and conduct matters across public and private institutions. If you're concerned about how a disciplinary process could affect your visa, reach out at 888-535-3686 or message us online.

Policies Come and Go, But the Pressure Still Remains

Before reversing course, the Trump administration had previously canceled over 1,500 student visas at over 200 different universities throughout the country. While some of these revocations may have merit, several visas were revoked because students had merely participated in pro-Palestinian protests. Even though the revocations have been paused, it is very unlikely that the pause will be permanent. The Trump administration has made it clear that it will take a zero-tolerance approach to immigration issues, so a new rule concerning student visas is almost certainly right around the corner.

International Students: Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place

International students face unique issues in education law. Their presence in the country is conditioned on full-time enrollment, good academic standing, and strict compliance with school policies. If the State Department or Department of Homeland Security believes a student is misusing their visa or poses a risk to the US and its reputation, no matter how slight, international students face an uphill battle to keep their visas. Given the fact that international students face unique issues in the student discipline process, international students need to address accusations before they escalate.

The Lento Law Firm Can Help Prevent Academic Issues from Snowballing

International students face challenges that most Americans are not even aware of. For example, they often face unique academic challenges as a result of being immersed in a different culture and language. Unfortunately, politics often adds to the issues these students face day in and day out. Given the uncertainty of the current student visa system, international students cannot afford to have any blemishes on their records. The Lento Law Firm's team of experienced education lawyers can defend students from charges of academic misconduct, Title IX issues, and alleged code of conduct violations. Don't let issues fester. Call the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or tell us about your case via our online form.