Jayapal Statement on Trump Administration Restoring the Lawful Status of Thousands of Student Visa Holders

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Trump administration announced it would reverse course and restore the status of thousands of student visa holders.

“The Trump Administration’s reversal of unlawful actions to terminate the status of thousands of student visa holders is overdue. While it remains to be seen if all these student visas will be restored, these students should never have had their status terminated to begin with, and the terminations continue to have very serious consequences for students, universities, and the future of our country to attract talent to study here. The terminations have turned university campuses into places of fear rather than learning, and many students are still dealing with the financial and emotional effects of their visa terminations even as they were in the midst of their studies. 

“Trump’s reversal — in the face of multiple lawsuits and enormous pressure — is a clear admission that these actions against students were never about national security, but rather about using immigration enforcement as a weapon to restrict due process, stifle political dissent, and attack legal immigration. It is also a clear signal that organizing, lawsuits and public pressure are critically important to challenge the Administration’s continuously unlawful actions. It’s time to stop weaponizing enforcement and prioritize the humanity, dignity, and legal rights of all people. That’s both the moral and lawful thing to do, and also what is best for America’s ability to remain a country that attracts talent from all over the world.”

Issues: Immigration