Eight University of Delaware sponsored visa holders facing uncertainty when the Department of Homeland Security terminated their visas are out of limbo.
There were three current students and five former students on post-graduation Optional Practical Training work authorization that were affected.
In a statement, UD confirms that all of their previously terminated Student and Exchange Visitor Information System records have been restored.
UD adds the affected individuals are being assisted on the next steps, and the university will closely monitor the SEVIS records for any further updates to student records.
ACLU of Delaware executive director Mike Brickner says the combination of winning legally in court and public pressure got the Trump Administration to back off on these visas.
"That combination really got them - the federal government - to come into court and to say we're just going to step away from this process. For now, they restored everyone's visas across the country, and now we're sort of in a wait and see period in case they come back and try and do it again under some new process."
Brickner notes the ACLU of Delaware had heard from other students worried about their status moving forward.
He says any foreign student on a visa should stay in regular contact with the higher education institution they are attending.
"We are really encouraging them to work with the school to make sure that everything is still in place, and if there are any changes to their visas that they would know immediately."
Brickner notes if the Department of Homeland Security revokes visas again, that students need to be in quick contact with a family member, close friend, a lawyer or the ACLU to help.
He adds the ACLU of Delaware has done some “know your rights training” at some schools so students and staff know how to handle any incidents if ICE entered campus for a raid.
