A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily halted the removal of students from India enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Madison, whose visas were revoked from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) database.
Judge William Conley decided that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could not swiftly deport 21-year-old Krish Lal Isseldasani, who claimed his F-1 student visa had been incorrectly represented. He is a senior aiming to graduate in May.
Officials stated that they could not maintain their status as legal residents due to their “criminal history.”
Documents reveal that Isseldasani was apprehended on November 22, 2024.
“Isseldasani was charged with disorderly conduct, but the district attorney chose not to pursue the case,” his attorney stated in documents submitted to the court.
“Consequently, Isseldasani was not required to appear in court and thought the matter was entirely resolved, believing that any immigration consequences were impossible. Other than this incident, he had no further encounters with law enforcement,” they added.
Isseldasani received a notification via email from the International Student Services at the University of Wisconsin Madison on April 4, informing him of the revocation of his visa.
His attorney mentioned that abrupt departures would hinder his chances of graduating on time and accessing work experience.
“Isseldasani and his family have reportedly invested around $240,000 in his education in the U.S., and he is set to lose $17,500 in tuition for the current semester,” they stated.
“He will also still be responsible for four months of rent, even though he cannot stay in the country.”
Conley’s temporary order prevents his removal until April 28th, when a preliminary injunction will be evaluated.
“Thus, plaintiff Isseldasani demonstrates a significant likelihood, if not a strong one, of succeeding on the merits of his claim at count 2 that DHS violated the APA [Administrative Procedure Act],” Conley wrote.
He also noted that the termination of Isseldasani’s F-1 status by DHS likely reflected “arbitrary, capricious, or abuse of discretion, or failure to adhere to the law.”
The Isseldasani case represents the latest instance of abrupt removals of international students without proper procedures.
The University of Wisconsin indicated that six current students and seven alumni were impacted by the government’s termination of their Cevis records.
The White House and DHS did not immediately reply to The Hill’s request for comment.
