US Student Visa Crisis: SEVIS Rules & Legal Tips Explained
The recent surge in student visa revocations and SEVIS record terminations has sent shockwaves among Indian students in the United States. The uncertainty surrounding their immigration status has left many in a state of panic. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has enforced a strict deadline under the Alien Registration Act, requiring all foreign nationals staying in the US for more than 30 days to register and comply with the regulations.
As the situation continues to unfold, legal experts are urging current and incoming students to take immediate action to avoid visa issues and maintain valid immigration status. In this blog post, we will delve into the SEVIS rules, legal tips, and what Indian students can do to navigate this crisis.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is an online database maintained by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to track international students and exchange visitors. The system is designed to ensure that foreign nationals in the US on non-immigrant visas comply with the terms of their stay, including their course of study, employment, and living arrangements.
SEVIS requires students to provide accurate and updated information about their enrollment, academic progress, and any changes to their status. The system is linked to the student’s visa application, and any inaccuracies or non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including visa revocation and termination of SEVIS records.
Why are SEVIS records being terminated?
The recent surge in SEVIS record terminations is attributed to the DHS’s efforts to crack down on visa overstayers and ensure that foreign nationals comply with the regulations. The Alien Registration Act requires all foreign nationals staying in the US for more than 30 days to register and provide biographic and biometric information.
According to the DHS, many Indian students have failed to comply with the SEVIS regulations, resulting in the termination of their records. In some cases, students have been found to be engaged in unauthorized employment, failed to maintain their academic status, or provided false information during their visa application.
Legal Tips for Indian Students in the US
To avoid visa issues and maintain valid immigration status, Indian students in the US must comply with the SEVIS regulations. Here are some legal tips to help students navigate the crisis:
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Register with SEVIS: Ensure that you have registered with SEVIS and provided accurate information about your enrollment, academic progress, and living arrangements.
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Maintain accurate records: Keep a copy of your SEVIS record and maintain accurate records of your academic progress, employment, and living arrangements.
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Report changes: Notify your school and the DHS of any changes to your status, including changes to your course of study, employment, or living arrangements.
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Comply with immigration regulations: Ensure that you comply with immigration regulations, including the terms of your student visa and any conditions of your admission.
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Seek legal advice: If you are facing issues with your SEVIS record or have received a notice of intent to terminate your record, seek legal advice from an experienced immigration attorney.
What can Indian students do to avoid SEVIS issues?
To avoid SEVIS issues and maintain valid immigration status, Indian students in the US must take immediate action. Here are some steps that students can take:
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Review your SEVIS record: Review your SEVIS record to ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date.
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Check your immigration status: Check your immigration status and ensure that you are compliant with the terms of your student visa.
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Notify your school: Notify your school of any changes to your status and provide them with accurate information about your enrollment and academic progress.
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Register with the DHS: Register with the DHS and provide biographic and biometric information as required by the Alien Registration Act.
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Seek legal advice: If you are facing issues with your SEVIS record or have received a notice of intent to terminate your record, seek legal advice from an experienced immigration attorney.
Conclusion
The US student visa crisis has sent shockwaves among Indian students in the US, leaving many in a state of uncertainty. To avoid visa issues and maintain valid immigration status, Indian students must comply with the SEVIS regulations and take immediate action to rectify any issues with their records. By following the legal tips and steps outlined in this blog post, Indian students can navigate the crisis and ensure a smooth and successful stay in the US.
News Source:
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