The ACLU of Wisconsin this week filed an amicus brief in two separate cases challenging the random revocation of international students’ visas at the University of Wisconsin and other universities throughout the state. The cases are pending in the federal district court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Madison.
Since the end of March, approximately 4,700 students nationwide, including dozens in Wisconsin, have had their lawful immigration status summarily revoked without notice or an opportunity to respond — actions that at least seven federal courts have already indicated likely violate administrative law and due process rights.
On Friday, April 25, 2025, the federal Department of Justice indicated in several courts outside of Wisconsin that the government intended to roll back these illegal revocations.
Nevertheless, the ACLU of Wisconsin filed its briefs with the Court, indicating that such a rollback is not good enough, and that an injunction from the Court is still necessary to protect the rights of students who could be targeted again and again if these cases were dismissed.
“This administration's mass termination of students' immigration statuses, without notice or due process, is another blatant assault on constitutional rights. Due process exists to protect everyone from abuse of power, and a fair legal system cannot exist without it,” said Tim Muth, Senior Staff Attorney with the ACLU of Wisconsin. “But most importantly, international students are a vital community in our state’s universities, and no administration should be allowed to circumvent the law to strip students of status, unilaterally disrupt their studies, and put them at risk of deportation. The Constitution protects everyone on American soil, and this disregard for fundamental rights needs to be stopped.”
