These judges are out of control.
In a decision raising eyebrows across the country, a federal judge appointed by President Joe Biden has ordered the reinstatement of student visa statuses for 133 foreign nationals — just days after the Trump administration took swift action to revoke them due to national security concerns.
The ruling, handed down by U.S. District Judge Victoria Calvert in Georgia, forces Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reverse course and restore legal standing for the affected individuals by Tuesday at 5 p.m.
The international students, many of whom are reportedly in STEM programs and nearing graduation, had their records terminated in the federal SEVIS database — the official tracking system used to monitor foreign students on F-1 visas. The Biden-era judge claims the terminations were unlawful, despite the Trump administration citing regulatory authority and potential security red flags.
The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other left-wing advocacy organizations, arguing that the visa cancellations were “coercive” and violated due process — even though many of the students were flagged in internal government reviews. The suit names Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi as defendants.
Though the Department of Justice’s full response remains sealed, Judge Calvert swiftly issued a temporary restraining order, signaling that she believes the federal government may have overreached its authority. The ruling cited potential violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and the Fifth Amendment, raising concerns about bureaucratic overreach and executive enforcement powers.
In her opinion, Calvert stated the students faced “irreparable harm” — including the loss of legal status, academic progress, employment opportunities, and mental stress — if the terminations were allowed to stand.
Left-leaning organizations were quick to celebrate. “The Constitution protects everyone on American soil,” said Akiva Freidlin of the ACLU-Georgia, applauding the decision. “The Trump administration cannot ignore due process when students are threatened with deportation.”
However, critics argue that this decision sets a dangerous precedent — prioritizing the interests of foreign nationals over national security, legal immigration policy, and the rule of law. Many conservatives view it as yet another example of judicial activism undermining strong immigration enforcement.
A hearing for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, potentially opening the door for more long-term relief for the international students — and more legal battles for the Trump administration.
Why This Matters:
As President Trump continues efforts to restore law and order at the southern border, activist judges and far-left legal groups are working overtime to dismantle enforcement measures. This latest ruling shows how the Biden-era judiciary may be enabling a broader rollback of immigration protections — even when national security is on the line.
