On April 26, Madison College was notified that all three international students whose visas were revoked last month have now had their visas reinstated, meaning their Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVIS) records have reverted to active SEVIS status again. 

Additionally, 27 University of Wisconsin-Madison international students and alumni whose visas were revoked this year have had them reinstated. The University confirmed that their visas were restored on April 26.  Joining UW-Madison students are 13 UW-Milwaukee international students and recent graduates whose visas have also now been returned to active status. 

After over a hundred lawsuits and judicial rulings, the U.S. government restored the legal status of international students whose visas had been revoked or SEVIS records terminated. This decision resulted from the students’ legal challenges and an increasing number of lawsuits seeking to restore their ability to study and work in the U.S. 

Nationwide, more than 4,700 students would have their visas reinstated. 

Madison College supports 195 F-1 visa holders, representing 61 places of citizenship across 46 programs of study. (An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the United States to study at an accredited academic institution, such as a university, college, or language training program.) 

College leadership continues to work closely with Stephanie Belmas, director of the Center for International Education (CIE), and the team to stay informed and ensure the support of its international students.  

The following is a list of reputable associations that are tracking policy changes impacting immigration and international education: 

• AILA: American Immigration Lawyers Association
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators
• Higher Ed Immigration Portal
• National Immigration Law Center
• Immigrants Rising
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center

If students wish to seek legal counsel about their specific situation, here are resources to consider: 

• Community Immigration Law Center: (608) 640-4444; Attorney Referral List available under “Services/Servicios.” 

• American Immigration Lawyers Association: (202) 507-7600; Directory available at https://ailalawyer.com/. 

• Immigration Advocates Network 

• Immigrant Justice Clinic: (608) 890-3753 

• Community Justice, Inc.: (608) 204-9642