Client Immigration Update; What to Know About Recent Visa Cancellations, Court Orders, and New Registration Rules
Recent news about immigration has caused some confusion and concern, especially among international students and travelers. Based on court orders and attorney updates, we want to provide an explanation of what is happening, why it is happening, and what it means for clients who are following the law.
The short answer is this: If you are in valid status, following the rules, and staying informed, you may still be worried. Enforcement efforts are mainly targeting serious issues, but also peaceful legal immigrants.
1. Federal Court Reviews Deportations of Venezuelan Nationals
In March 2025, the U.S. government began using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan nationals with alleged connections to the violent Tren de Aragua gang. A federal court issued a Temporary Restraining Order to pause these removals so legal challenges could be reviewed.
Some individuals were deported after the order, which led the court to issue a contempt warning. The administration had until April 23 to explain its actions.
The administration did respond to the court by this deadline, facing potential contempt proceedings if their actions were not satisfactorily explained or rectified. Since that time, multiple federal courts have issued rulings challenging or blocking the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act for these deportations, indicating ongoing legal battles and judicial scrutiny of this authority.
This case does not block lawful deportations of criminals. It simply reminds everyone that court orders must be followed, no matter which administration is in power.
2. Student Visa Cancellations and SEVIS Terminations
Since late 2024, many universities have reported unexpected cancellations of F-1 student visas and terminations of SEVIS records. These cases wrongly involved older minor violations, such as traffic tickets or paperwork errors.
Some examples from recent cases:
- A BYU doctoral student, Suguru Onda, had his visa canceled over old speeding tickets, but had it reinstated quickly after legal action.
- Other cases involve students where a visa cancellation was reversed after schools and attorneys stepped in.
These situations are stressful, but they are rare compared to the total number of students in valid status. The system has shown it can correct mistakes when proper legal steps are taken when you have an attorney.
3. Why Enforcement Has Increased
The United States has increased immigration enforcement in response to real concerns about illegal crossings, criminal networks, and national security threats.
While no system is perfect, legal enforcement protects the public and helps maintain confidence in lawful immigration.
Importantly:
- Most peaceful undocumented individuals without criminal records are not immediate targets.
- Students and visa holders following the rules still have protections, but still may be concerned.
- Errors, while unfortunate, are often corrected once challenged through proper legal channels.
4. New DHS Alien Registration Rule
Starting in April 2025, the Department of Homeland Security now requires all non-U.S. citizens, including permanent residents and visa holders, who stay in the United States for 30 days or more to register and provide fingerprints.
They must also:
- Carry proof of registration
- Update DHS within 10 days after moving to a new address
Failure to follow these requirements could result in fines or be penalties. However, the rule is supposed to be about improving security records, but can punish lawful residents.
5. International Travel Warnings and Border Privacy Concerns
Several countries have issued advisories about traveling to the United States, recommending that citizens use temporary phones and secure their personal data.
These advisories reflect concern about border searches, not about general safety. Travelers with clean records and proper documentation should not expect major issues, but should be aware that device inspections may occur.
6. Impact on Travel and Education
There has been a decrease in tourism from Europe and Canada. Universities are also concerned that international enrollment has declined about 10% since visa confusion continues.
However, many legal travelers and students who follow the rules are still entering and studying without problems. Schools and courts are actively working to protect students who have been affected by mistakes.
7. Summary
- Recent deportations, including those under the Alien Enemies Act which have faced significant legal challenges and court blocks, targeted serious criminal concerns, generally not peaceful visa holders.
- Some student visa terminations have happened, but most were corrected through legal action for those who had attorneys.
- New registration rules require all non-U.S. citizens staying 30 days or more to register and update addresses.
- Travel warnings are about digital privacy at the border, not personal safety for lawful visitors.
- Legal immigrants and visa holders who follow the rules are generally not in danger.
- Immigration enforcement is stronger, but still doesn’t respect lawful process and court review in important cases.
Final Thoughts for Clients
If you are in valid status and following immigration laws:
- You may still worry
- Keep your documents current
- Report address changes
- Speak to your attorney if you receive any unusual notice
For those who are undocumented but peaceful, it is important to seek legal advice to fix your situation the right way, because enforcement priorities can change.
Overall, there have been bumps in the system.
We encourage all clients and foreign nationals to stay informed, stay prepared, and work with trusted legal counsel when needed.
