Federal Judge Halts Deportation of Indian Student Amid Visa Controversy

Court Ruling Protects Student's Visa Status

New York: A federal judge in the United States has issued a temporary injunction preventing the Trump administration from deporting Krish Lal Isserdasani, a 21-year-old Indian student whose visa was revoked.

Isserdasani has been studying computer engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on an F-1 visa since 2021.

According to court documents, Isserdasani has maintained full-time enrollment and is nearing graduation, with less than 30 days left until his expected completion date on May 10, 2025.

The documents reveal that Isserdasani was arrested on November 22, 2024, following a verbal dispute with another group while returning home from a bar.

Although he faced disorderly conduct charges, the District Attorney chose not to pursue the case, leading Isserdasani to believe the issue was resolved without any immigration repercussions.

However, on April 4, 2025, the International Student Services office at his university notified him via email that his Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) record had been terminated.

The termination was attributed to a failure to maintain status, linked to his criminal record check and visa revocation.

Court filings indicate that Isserdasani received no prior notice from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the university, or the State Department regarding his visa status.

He was not given a chance to clarify or defend himself before the termination of his F-1 visa record.

This termination jeopardizes his ability to graduate and apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to gain work experience related to their field of study.

The F-1 visa is specifically for international students enrolled in academic programs or English language courses at US institutions.

OPT permits eligible students to work for up to 12 months before or after completing their studies.

The email regarding his SEVIS termination stated that his authorization to stay in the US would end on May 2, 2025, just before his graduation.

Isserdasani and his family have reportedly invested around $240,000 in his education, and he risks losing $17,500 in tuition for the current semester, along with rental obligations for the next four months.

The emotional toll of this situation has been significant, causing Isserdasani anxiety and fear of immediate detention and deportation.

District Judge William Conley granted Isserdasani's request for a temporary restraining order.

Pending a preliminary injunction hearing, the defendants are prohibited from terminating Isserdasani's F-1 status or taking any legal actions related to the termination of his SEVIS records.

A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for April 28.

Madison attorney Shabnam Lotfi noted that this ruling could represent a significant victory for international students facing similar issues, as approximately 1,300 students nationwide have experienced abrupt SEVIS record terminations.

This situation occurs within the context of the Trump administration's broader immigration enforcement efforts targeting foreign nationals associated with esteemed American universities.