US Judge Blocks Deportation of Indian Student in Wisconsin After F-1 Visa Revoked Without Charges or Prior Notice:

Why in News?

• The case has gained attention due to a U.S. federal judge’s decision on April 15, 2025, to temporarily block the deportation of Krish Lal Isserdasani, a 21-year-old Indian computer engineering student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, whose F-1 visa was revoked without prior notice or charges.
• The ruling by Judge William Conley of the Western District of Wisconsin highlights concerns over due process, as Isserdasani’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record was terminated on April 4, 2025, citing a criminal records check, despite no convictions from a November 2024 disorderly conduct incident.
• This incident reflects a broader Trump administration crackdown on international students, with over 900 students across 128 U.S. colleges facing similar visa revocations since mid-March 2025, sparking legal challenges and public debate on immigration policy.
• The timing, just weeks before Isserdasani’s May 2025 graduation, underscores the personal and financial stakes ($240,000 invested in education, $17,500 tuition at risk), amplifying the case’s visibility.

Key Points About F-1 Visa:

• Definition: The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to international students allowing them to pursue academic studies or English language programs at accredited U.S. colleges or universities.
• Legal Status: It is tied to the SEVIS database, managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which tracks students’ compliance with visa conditions (e.g., full-time enrollment, good academic standing).
• Duration: Valid for the duration of the academic program, with an optional 12-month post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) period for work related to the student’s major.
• Revocation Risks: Visa status can be terminated if the student violates terms (e.g., criminal activity, academic failure), but recent cases, including Isserdasani’s, show revocations occurring without clear justification or due process, raising legal concerns.
• Consequences of Termination: SEVIS termination invalidates legal status, requiring departure within 15 days or legal action to restore status, risking deportation, future visa ineligibility, and loss of educational investments.
• Current Context: The Trump administration’s use of broad authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to revoke visas, often citing minor infractions or political activism, has led to heightened scrutiny and lawsuits asserting violations of constitutional right.