Federal judge halts deportation, citing lack of due process and irreparable harm

A 21-year-old Indian student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has won a significant legal reprieve in a case that could set a precedent for international students facing sudden visa revocations.

Krish Lal Isserdasani was granted temporary protection from deportation after a federal judge ruled that the U.S. government’s actions lacked due process and posed serious harm to his future.

Court halts deportation just weeks before graduation

On April 15, a federal court order blocked the Department of Homeland Security from deporting or detaining Krish Isserdasani, who was set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering in early May. His F-1 student visa had been abruptly cancelled on April 4, just weeks before his graduation.

The court also scheduled a preliminary injunction hearing for April 28, signaling that the case may carry broader implications for immigration enforcement and student rights.

Arrest led to visa termination despite no conviction

The dispute stems from a November 22, 2024, incident, in which Krish Isserdasani was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor disorderly conduct following a verbal altercation outside a bar. Though he was never convicted, the incident triggered administrative action against his visa.

According to court filings, Krish Isserdasani’s information was removed from the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), effectively stripping him of legal student status in the U.S. He filed an emergency motion through his attorney, Shabnam Lotfi, seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent his deportation.

Judge criticizes lack of due process

In his ruling, U.S. District Judge William Conley sharply criticized the government’s handling of the case, calling the visa termination procedurally unjust.

“He was given no warning, no opportunity to explain or defend himself, and no chance to correct any potential misunderstanding before his F-1 student visa record was terminated in SEVIS,” Judge Conley wrote.

The court found that the sudden cancellation not only disrupted Krish Isserdasani’s academic path but also inflicted potential financial and personal damage.

“Given the amount of Isserdasani’s educational expenses and potential losses from having to leave the United States without obtaining his degree, the court concludes that Isserdasani credibly demonstrates that he faces irreparable harm,” the ruling stated.

Part of broader crackdown on international students

The case arrives amid a broader immigration clampdown by the Trump administration. Since President Trump’s return to office in January, more than 1,300 international students have had their visas revoked across the country. At the University of Wisconsin system alone, over 40 students—including 26 at the Madison campus—have reportedly been affected.

Observers note that several of these cases involve minor infractions or unproven allegations. Critics argue that the campaign disproportionately affects students of color and those engaged in political or cultural activities.

Isserdasani’s visa was revoked without prior notice or a hearing, raising concerns about systemic racial profiling and lack of transparency in the visa enforcement process.

Legal team calls ruling a “national victory”

Isserdasani’s legal team believes the ruling could mark a turning point in the rights of international students.

“We’re grateful that the rule of law and justice have prevailed,” said Veronica Sustic, a colleague of attorney Shabnam Lotfi.

“The government has not provided any legal authority for these unlawful terminations of innocent international students’ statuses, and we are pleased that the court saw that,” she added.

As the April 28 hearing approaches, the case continues to attract national attention, both for its legal ramifications and for the light it sheds on the evolving landscape of student immigration policy in the United States.