ACLU of Indiana files lawsuit against DHS after several international students have visas revoked

(WXIN/WTTV) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, accusing it of violating the Fifth Amendment rights of several international students based in Indiana after their lawful status was “abruptly terminated without explanation.”

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana on Tuesday, alleges that the agency contradicted federal law and the U.S. Constitution after rescinding the visas of seven international students.

The lawsuit asks the U.S. District Court to permit a temporary restraining order so the affected students can continue studying in the United States. If the court agrees to this, it would allow the plaintiffs to maintain their international student status for immediate protection.

The plaintiffs are described as six Chinese students, with five studying at Purdue University and one attending Indiana University-Indianapolis. Another is originally from Nigeria and enrolled at the University of Notre Dame. According to the ACLU of Indiana, two of the students were set to graduate in May.

“There is no rhyme or reason for DHS’s action. To terminate an international student’s status, the U.S. government must adhere to regulatory standards and provide basic due process, which it has failed to do,” ACLU of Indiana Legal Director Ken Falk said. “The impact on these students’ lives is profound, and now they live in fear of being deported at any moment. We’re calling on the court to take immediate steps to stop these unlawful actions.”

This is the latest development in what has become an immigration crackdown involving international students enrolled at dozens of colleges and universities across the country.

The news initially broke last week when the Indiana Daily Student, IU’s student-run newspaper, reported that IU Provost Rahul Shrivastav revealed at a Bloomington Faculty Council meeting that a “small number” of students reportedly had their visas rescinded.

To read the full complaint, click here.

Reactions

Purdue University shared the following statement with FOX59/CBS4 Tuesday afternoon.

“As is the case with universities across the country, Purdue has been in contact with any individual who has been impacted by a change in their visa status. Impacted individuals are encouraged to contact the embassy of their home country and to seek outside legal assistance. Purdue continues to provide support to those impacted, consistent with our responsibilities as a host institution.”