The Presidents’ Alliance Files Federal Lawsuit to Halt Unlawful Termination of International Students’ SEVIS Records
Green and Spiegel, U.S. is leading litigation on behalf of the Presidents’ Alliance and impacted international students to challenge the Department of Homeland Security’s mass termination of SEVIS records. The lawsuit argues the terminations violate due process and federal law, threatening students’ legal status, education, and careers. Jonathan Grode emphasized the case’s lasting importance for protecting international students and upholding U.S. higher education values.
GOP Bill Raises Immigration Fees To Fund Mass Deportation
While the GOP’s immigration bill may have limited impact on corporate America, it poses significant challenges for those seeking humanitarian relief. Jonathan Grode pointed out that while the $900 appeal fee is relatively minor, broader fee increases could deter low-income applicants—particularly those applying through the diversity visa program. He also noted that due to a lengthy and often ineffective appeals process, many clients instead refile or turn to federal court for recourse.
Trump is threatening to block international students from Harvard. Is that legal?
Jonathan Grode, U.S. Practice Director at Green and Spiegel, commented on the Trump administration’s threat to strip Harvard’s SEVP certification, calling it an unprecedented move against a globally respected institution. He warned that the government’s demands leave room for subjective enforcement and potential overreach, and noted that Harvard could challenge any revocation in court to protect its independence and international student body.
ICE reverses course, restores international student status to Penn affiliates and others
Following a wave of sudden terminations of international student status by the Trump administration — including students at the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Rutgers — ICE has reversed course and restored status for some impacted students. While dozens of lawsuits and court orders helped prompt this change, immigration attorney Jonathan Grode of Green and Spiegel cautions international students not to panic.
Royalty Income Payments Won’t Solve The International Student Athlete Employment Issue
In a new article co-authored with Amy Maldonado, Ksenia Maiorova explains why classifying payments to international student-athletes under the House v. NCAA settlement as “royalty income” may not protect universities from legal risk. While some schools hope to avoid employment issues by framing payments as royalties for use of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, Maiorova and Maldonado warn that immigration and tax authorities will scrutinize the substance over the label, potentially exposing F-1 student-athletes and institutions to serious consequences.
The Process of Punishing Harvard
In response to the Trump administration’s escalating efforts to penalize Harvard University over alleged campus antisemitism and resistance to federal demands, Jonathan Grode weighed in on the legal complexities surrounding the university’s ability to host international students. The administration has threatened to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification—a move Grode characterizes as a strategic power play rather than a genuine legal pursuit.
Harvard ‘Will Not Surrender Independence’ To Trump Immigration Demands
In the escalating standoff between the Trump administration and Harvard University, Jonathan Grode offered legal insight into the administration’s threat to revoke Harvard’s SEVIS certification, which would bar the university from enrolling international students. He emphasized the strategic pressure being applied to compel Harvard’s compliance with sweeping data demands on its international student body. Grode warned that even an incomplete or good-faith response could be used against the university.
What to do if you’re a U.S. citizen and immigration authorities tell you to leave the country
In response to a mass email mistakenly sent by U.S. immigration authorities to some American citizens—warning recipients to “leave the United States immediately”—Jonathan A. Grode weighed in. Speaking to NBC News, Grode, who also received the erroneous notice, said that U.S. citizens should not be alarmed by such bureaucratic blunders. He called for more thoughtful and pragmatic action from federal authorities, underscoring that mistakes like this, while absurd, highlight a lack of precision in immigration communications.
Dartmouth admin recommend international students carry proof of immigration status around campus
Dan Berger was featured in The Dartmouth for advising international students during a campus session on immigration uncertainty. In light of the Trump administration’s unprecedented revocation of thousands of student visas, Berger urged students to carry proof of their immigration status and identification at all times. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for potential encounters with immigration officials and staying informed about evolving policies.
‘We might … have to pack our bags’: International student visas being revoked at UMass Amherst
Dan Berger spoke to New England Public Media about a wave of sudden student visa revocations at UMass Amherst, calling it a troubling shift in immigration enforcement. “We’re seeing visa terminations in SEVIS without review by an officer—just automatic cancellations,” Berger said, noting cases involving dismissed charges or no prior warning. He emphasized the lack of transparency from federal officials and the growing fear among international students.