Indian, Chinese Students Sue US Over Visa Termination

hree Indian and two Chinese students in the U.S. have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and immigration officials, alleging the unlawful termination of their F-1 student visas. The case, brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), was filed in the U.S. District Court in New Hampshire and accuses the Trump administration of abruptly revoking the legal status of hundreds, if not thousands, of international students without proper notice.

The plaintiffs argue that the move has left them facing not only potential deportation but also severe academic and financial consequences. The lawsuit highlights that the government failed to provide the required notification before terminating their visas, violating procedural safeguards.

Students Face Academic and Financial Hardship

Among the affected students are Chinese nationals Hangrui Zhang and Haoyang An, along with Indian nationals Linkhith Babu Gorrela, Thanuj Kumar Gummadavelli, and Manikanta Pasula.

• Hangrui Zhang, whose research assistantship—his sole source of income—was terminated due to the loss of his F-1 status.

• Haoyang An, who may be forced to abandon his Master’s program despite having already invested $329,196 in tuition and living expenses.

• Linkhith Babu Gorrela, set to graduate on May 20, now risks losing both his degree and eligibility for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international graduates to work in the U.S.

• Thanuj Kumar Gummadavelli and Manikanta Pasula, who have one semester remaining in their Master’s programs, face uncertainty over whether they can complete their degrees.

Broader Impact on International Students

The Trump administration’s stricter student visa policies have drawn criticism from universities and advocacy groups, with concerns over the treatment of foreign students, who contribute significantly to U.S. academia and the economy. Chinese and Indian students represent the largest groups of international students in the country.

According to an Associated Press review, more than 1,000 international students have had their visas revoked or legal status terminated since late March. The lawsuit seeks to halt these actions, arguing that the plaintiffs had maintained lawful student status by making academic progress and complying with visa regulations.

The case underscores growing tensions over U.S. immigration policies and their impact on international education. Legal experts say the outcome could set a precedent for how foreign students’ rights are protected under U.S. law.