An Indian student studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison recently received a lifeline in his ongoing immigration case. A U.S. federal judge has temporarily stopped the government from deporting him after his student visa was cancelled.
Why the Student Faced Deportation
Krish Lal Isserdasani, a 21-year-old student from India, was in his final year of studies and expected to graduate in May. But his problems began after he was arrested on November 22, 2024, following a verbal argument outside a bar. While he was booked for disorderly conduct, the local District Attorney later chose not to file any charges. His lawyers said that Isserdasani never went to court and believed the case was closed, without realizing it could affect his visa status.
Despite not facing any charges, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) still cancelled his F-1 student visa. His name was removed from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) database, which tracks international students in the U.S. Officials said he had failed to keep his legal status due to being listed in “criminal records.”
University Informs Him of Visa Cancellation
On April 4, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s International Student Services informed him that his visa was no longer valid. They told him he had to leave the country by May 2. This sudden notice shocked Isserdasani and his legal team, especially since he had only one month left before graduation.
The Court’s Decision to Help
Judge William Conley stepped in and issued a temporary order stopping DHS from deporting Isserdasani right away. The judge said that there was a strong chance that the government had made a mistake by cancelling his visa without proper reason. The court also found that DHS might have broken rules under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), which ensures fair government decisions.
The judge said that the way DHS cancelled Isserdasani’s visa seemed “arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion,” meaning it looked rushed and unfair.
Why It Matters to Isserdasani
Isserdasani’s lawyers explained that his family had spent nearly $240,000 on his education in the U.S., and he could lose $17,500 for the current semester if he’s forced to leave. He also faces rental costs for the next four months, even if he can’t stay in the country.
Moreover, if deported now, he would miss his graduation and lose the chance to gain valuable work experience in the U.S.
Broader Impact on Students
Isserdasani’s case is not the only one. The University of Wisconsin reported that six current students and seven alumni have been affected by similar cancellations of their SEVIS records by the government.
A full hearing is set for April 28, where a decision will be made about whether to extend the court’s protection or allow deportation to proceed.
This case shows how quickly things can change for international students in the U.S. Even small legal problems, even those with no charges filed, can lead to major immigration issues. It also highlights the importance of due process—making sure all students are treated fairly and given a chance to explain their side.
