April 16, 2025 | Madison, Wisconsin — A federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of Krish Lal Isserdasani, a 21-year-old Indian national and final-year computer engineering student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, following the abrupt revocation of his F-1 student visa.
The emergency order, issued on April 15 by U.S. District Judge William Conley of the Western District of Wisconsin, halts any detention or removal proceedings by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) while the case is under review. The ruling responds to an emergency motion filed by attorney Shabnam Lotfi, who argued that the visa termination was procedurally flawed and deprived the student of due process.
Isserdasani’s SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record was terminated earlier this month without advance notice, explanation, or an opportunity to contest the decision. According to court documents, this action stemmed from a November 2024 incident in which Isserdasani was briefly detained for suspected misdemeanor disorderly conduct during an argument outside a local bar. The Dane County District Attorney declined to file charges, and the matter was considered closed.
Despite this, the university’s International Student Services informed him via email that his SEVIS record had been terminated due to his identification in a criminal records check and visa revocation. The student, who had no prior legal infractions, was left in legal limbo just weeks before graduation.
In his ruling, Judge Conley noted a “reasonable likelihood of success” in Isserdasani’s legal challenge and emphasized the disproportionate consequences of the visa termination. The court cited the risk to the student’s nearly $240,000 educational investment, $17,500 in current semester tuition, and ineligibility for post-graduation work authorization. The judge also acknowledged the psychological toll on Isserdasani, who reportedly fears leaving his residence due to concerns about potential apprehension.
“This is a rare win for international students,” said Lotfi. “The judge heard us and recognized the serious procedural issues at play.”
The preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for April 28.
Data presented during the hearing revealed that at least 57 student visa terminations have occurred across Wisconsin universities since April 15. While federal authorities have not issued formal explanations, many cases involve minor legal infractions or administrative missteps. The surge in terminations coincides with a broader Trump administration initiative to scrutinize international students, particularly those engaged in campus activism or facing minor legal issues such as traffic violations and shoplifting.
The case has sparked concern among academic and immigrant rights communities, who argue that the policy shift undermines the principles of fairness and transparency in student visa enforcement.
Recent Random Post:
