Moneycontrol PRO
HomeWorldIndian, Chinese students sue Trump administration after visa cancellations threaten their future in America

Indian, Chinese students sue Trump administration after visa cancellations threaten their future in America

After thousands of student visas were abruptly revoked, Indian and Chinese students in the U.S. have taken legal action against the Trump administration. Their lawsuit claims the sudden termination of F1 status has jeopardized their education, financial stability, including graduation and job placements through the OPT program.

April 20, 2025 / 13:17 IST
Indian Chinese sue trump's administration

Indian Chinese sue trump's administration

After the Trump administration abruptly revoked thousands of student visas, three Indian and two Chinese students in the United States filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and other immigration officials.

Students have accused DHS of "unilaterally terminating the F1 student status of hundreds, if not thousands, of international students.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the lawsuit against the Trump administration on behalf of the students before the US District Court in New Hampshire. The lawsuit claimed that the “unilateral and unlawful termination” of the F-1 status of the petitioners have put them out of lawful student status.

"The lawsuit asks the court to reinstate the status of these students so that they will be able to complete their studies and avoid facing the risk of detention and deportation," the ACLU said in a statement.

About students who took stand against Trump's administration

Indian student Linkhith Babu Gorrela, currently enrolled in a master's program, says he may not be able to graduate on May 20 as planned. With his F1 visa status abruptly revoked, he cannot receive his degree or apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students to work in the U.S. after graduation.

Two other Indian students, Thanuj Kumar Gummadavelli and Manikanta Pasula, are also at risk. With just one semester left to complete their degrees and begin OPT, they fear their academic futures are now in jeopardy unless the court steps in.

Chinese student Hangrui Zhang has lost his research assistantship — his only source of income — following the visa cancellation. Meanwhile, Haoyang An, another Chinese student, faces the possibility of abandoning his studies entirely despite having already spent over $329,000 on his education in the U.S.

In their lawsuit, the students argue they have complied fully with visa requirements, remained in good academic standing, avoided unauthorized employment, and have no disqualifying criminal history. They are now asking the court to intervene and restore their legal status before their futures are permanently derailed.

Moneycontrol World Desk
first published: Apr 20, 2025 01:16 pm

Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Subscribe to Tech Newsletters

  • On Saturdays

    Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

  • Daily-Weekdays

    Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347