Texas Tech Students Caught in Immigration Sweep as SEVIS Removals Hit Texas Campuses

Three international students at Texas Tech University have had their immigration statuses revoked due to a recent series of removals from the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This is part of a larger statewide enforcement effort impacting at least 68 students throughout Texas.

Texas Tech officials have stated that the situation is "evolving," the university is actively collaborating with the affected students to offer support and information. Nevertheless, the students' identities or the particular reasons for their status changes have not been disclosed.

On Tuesday, it was first reported that 15 international students at Texas A&M had lost their legal standing. Since then, 19 students from the University of Texas at Dallas, 27 from the University of North Texas, and four from Texas Woman’s University have also been impacted.

Visa revocations generally hinder re-entry to the U.S., whereas SEVIS removals are more drastic — they instantly eliminate students' legal status. This may affect work eligibility and compel dependents, such as spouses and children, to exit the country.

“SEVIS removals undermine due process,” stated Robert Hoffman, an immigration attorney in Houston and Bryan. “Students frequently lack formal notification or a chance to present their defense.”

The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it is now screening the social media accounts of international students for content it considers "antisemitic," referencing recent executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. The orders seek to address what the White House described as an increase in antisemitism on campuses, mainly linked to pro-Palestinian protests.

It remains uncertain if involvement in these protests or online expressions directly influences the SEVIS removals. “This lack of transparency is extremely concerning,” stated Phillip Rodriguez, another immigration attorney from Texas, highlighting that SEVIS terminations are more complex to contest than visa revocations.

Students who are affected have the option to apply for reinstatement or to leave the U.S. voluntarily. Both choices involve strict deadlines and unpredictable results.

Texas Tech has not indicated if additional students may be impacted in the days ahead.

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