The initial terminations often cited minor or dismissed criminal charges, such as misdemeanor driving offenses (including dismissed DUI cases), though many cases lacked clear justification beyond broad allegations of 'participating in movements' causing campus disruptions.

Over 1,800 cases were reported by colleges as of April 7, though subsequent lawsuits and ICE's reversal suggest the total may have exceeded 4,700 students before reinstatements began.

Students filed over 100 lawsuits across 23+ states, securing temporary restraining orders and injunctions that forced ICE to reinstate SEVIS records, with courts calling the terminations 'arbitrary' and 'capricious'.

ICE is developing revised guidelines but has paused terminations based solely on criminal history checks until the policy is finalized, though no timeline has been provided.

While the DOJ's reversal applies broadly, some uncertainty remains about students who self-deported or faced additional complications. Recent examples show full reinstatements (e.g., three PSU students) but suggest case-by-case variances.