The foreign Dartmouth student visa reinstated this week marks a significant legal victory amid an aggressive wave of student visa cancellations under the Trump administration.
Xiaotian Liu, a Chinese national and PhD student in computer science at Dartmouth College, had his student visa unexpectedly revoked last week. He is one of over 300 foreign students nationwide who recently had their visas cancelled without warning. But in a turning point for Liu — and possibly others in similar situations — a federal judge ordered the foreign Dartmouth student visa reinstated, allowing Liu to remain in the United States and continue his studies.
“The court’s temporary restoration of our client’s student status means that he can continue studying and working on what he loves – computer science,” said Gilles Bissonnette, Legal Director of the ACLU of New Hampshire.
A Legal Win Against Arbitrary Government Action
Liu is represented by the ACLU of New Hampshire and the law firm Shaheen & Gordon. After his F-1 student visa was revoked, the legal team quickly filed a case in the U.S. District Court. The judge ruled in Liu’s favor, restoring his status — at least for now.
Ronald Abramson, Chair of the Immigration Law Group at Shaheen & Gordon, stated:
“Today’s decision reaffirms the basic principle that a person who follows all the rules should not be subject to losing their immigration status… Just as individuals must comply with the law, so should our government.”
This foreign Dartmouth student visa reinstated case sets an important precedent in the face of a broader immigration crackdown that critics say is politically motivated and legally questionable.
Widespread Visa Revocations Across U.S. Campuses
According to reports from the Associated Press and CNN, hundreds of international students have had their visas revoked in recent weeks — often without any explanation or prior notification. Some, like Liu, were never even involved in political protests or any illegal activity.
Liu has never been charged with a crime, received a traffic ticket, or participated in any political movement, his lawyers confirm. The lack of transparency and justification in his case raised immediate legal and ethical concerns.
Another Dartmouth student — whose name hasn’t been made public — also had their visa revoked. College officials only learned of the terminations during a routine database check, not from the U.S. government. The affected records were removed from SEVIS (the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), managed by the Department of Homeland Security.
“We continue to monitor SEVIS and will immediately notify any affected student,” said Jana Barnello, spokesperson for Dartmouth.
Political Context: Immigration Enforcement Ramps Up
President Trump has made deportation a cornerstone of his campaign and administration. His immigration agenda includes not only targeting undocumented individuals but also legally residing foreign nationals — such as international students.
The foreign Dartmouth student visa reinstated by court order comes just days after the administration moved to revoke protections for Venezuelan migrants and cracked down on campus protesters.
In one controversial statement, Trump’s Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt even floated the idea of exploring legal pathways to deport U.S. citizens, further fueling public concern.
Why This Matters:
The foreign Dartmouth student visa reinstated by federal court action shines a light on the importance of due process and legal accountability. It also signals that blanket visa revocations may not stand up to judicial scrutiny — especially when they lack evidence or justification.
For students, schools, and immigration advocates, this case is a reminder that knowing your rights and acting swiftly can make all the difference.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by a sudden visa revocation, don’t wait. The legal team at Dworsky Law Firm offers expert legal support is here to fight for your rights. Our experienced immigration attorneys understand the urgency and complexity of these cases — and we’re committed to helping students, families, and professionals navigate this evolving legal landscape.
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