Student visas were reactivated for four Case Western Reserve University students Friday after their F-1 visa status was terminated by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
“All four active Case Western Reserve University students whose SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records were terminated earlier this month were returned to active status on April 24,” said CWRU Associate Vice President of Media Relations and Communications Bill Lubinger.
Some of the students getting their visas reinstated are clients of Margaret Wong & Associates.
“Well, I would say only a few, maybe three or four. The rest email me in a panic saying that they haven't got it restored yet,” said Wong.
Stacey Cozart Martin, an immigration attorney with MJB Immigration, told News 5 that the federal government isn’t notifying students directly; instead, the universities are.
“A lot of colleges are just going in and randomly checking to see who was revoked initially and if they are now reinstated,” said Martin.
Martin believes the sudden wave of reinstatements may be linked to more than 100 lawsuits filed by students challenging the visa terminations.
“So I think that when they got pressed in court about what this revocation actually meant, they couldn't defend their position, “Martin.
Martin believes the sudden wave of reinstatements may be linked to more than 100 lawsuits filed by students challenging the visa terminations.
“They are developing the process, say number one, if your visa was ever terminated and was restored, it should be terminated now but... if you have even a charging documents, even though it was dismissed, you may still get terminated,” said Wong.
Both attorneys are sure that more reinstatements are to come.
“I would say check with your DSO officers. If you were someone who was— your visa was revoked, and you got the email, keep checking every day because I don't know how soon or how slow they're going to do all the reinstatements,” said Martin.
But beyond that, even they admit, the future is unclear.
“Are they going to go back, do a little bit more due diligence, and then revoke those visas again, or are we going to move on to something else?” said Martin.
CWRU President Eric Kaler gave a statement when the student visas were initially revoked.
"This revocation of status makes it illegal for any student to remain studying or working in the United States," said Kaler. "I know how disconcerting this might be for many in our community. Let me say again what I said on Feb. 5—namely, international students, faculty, staff and postdocs are and will continue to be an essential part of the Case Western Reserve community."
RELATED: 4 Case Western Reserve University students' visas revoked
Earlier this month, three students at Kent State University had their visas revoked. In that case, the university said it was not given advanced notice or a reason why the scholars' visas were revoked, but it is working to connect with the individuals to ensure they are aware of the change in their status.
Similar revokes happened to students at Cleveland State University as well.
RELATED: Cleveland State University student's visa revoked without explanation
