"We Weren't Contacted": Chancellor Mnookin Tells Faculty Senate UW-Madison Learned of 13 SEVIS Terminations Only Through Daily Database Checks

Dear Student, During International Student Services' daily review of the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database, we identified that your SEVIS record has been terminated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The reason listed in your record is "OTHERWISE FAILING TO MAINTAIN STATUS - Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their visa revoked. SEVIS record has been terminated." The University of Wisconsin-Madison was not informed of this action by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or any other federal agency. We learned of the termination only because ISS conducts a daily review of the SEVIS database. A SEVIS record termination has serious immigration consequences. It may mean that you are no longer authorized to remain in the United States, that you are no longer authorized to study or work, and that any post-completion OPT or STEM OPT employment authorization has been terminated. We strongly encourage you to consult with an immigration attorney as soon as possible. The Madison Pro Bono Immigration Project and the Wisconsin International Law Society can provide referrals. ISS is available to meet with you confidentially. Please reply to this email to schedule a same-day appointment. We will continue to monitor SEVIS daily and will support you through whatever options are available. We deeply value our international community and recognize the distress this notice may cause. You are not alone, and we are here to help.

Update on SEVIS Record Restorations Dear Student, We are writing with positive news. As of today, all 27 University of Wisconsin-Madison students and alumni whose SEVIS records were terminated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this month have had their records restored to Active status, following the U.S. Department of Justice's April 25, 2025 announcement that DHS would reverse its policy on these terminations. ISS confirmed each restoration through our continued daily SEVIS database review. We are notifying you individually because your record is among those restored. While this is welcome news, we want to be transparent: DHS has not provided any commitment that further terminations will not occur, and ISS will continue daily SEVIS monitoring. We continue to recommend that international students avoid nonessential international travel and consult with ISS before any planned travel. If you have questions about your immigration status, employment authorization, or upcoming travel, please reply to schedule an appointment. We remain committed to supporting our international community.