Federal Court Temporarily Restores Immigration Status of Dartmouth PhD Student Xiaotian Liu Amid Controversial Visa Revocations

On April 9, a federal court in New Hampshire reinstated the F-1 student immigration status of Xiaotian Liu, a Chinese doctoral student at Dartmouth College. This ruling occurred just days after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security revoked Liu's visa, citing concerns tied to anti-Israel protests on U.S. campuses. The decision to reverse the visa revocation has sparked significant discussion across college campuses, raising questions about the Trump administration's broader policies affecting international students. Liu's legal team, represented by the ACLU of New Hampshire and a local law firm, argued that the revocation was 'unlawful' and a violation of due process. The court's temporary restoration means Liu can continue his studies and work while awaiting a final ruling on the lawsuit seeking permanent restoration of his immigration status. The situation reflects a growing climate of fear among international students, especially those from Muslim-majority countries, who feel increasingly targeted by U.S. immigration policies. As universities express their commitment to support their international communities, the case of Liu highlights the delicate intersection of immigration policy and academic freedom.