Sun May 18 13:52:41 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Priya Saxena, an Indian PhD student in South Dakota, faced deportation after her student visa was unexpectedly revoked by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) due to a minor traffic violation. She sued the Trump administration and was granted a temporary restraining order, allowing her to graduate. A federal court has now issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the DHS from arresting or detaining her without court approval. This comes amidst a broader crackdown on international students by the Trump administration, where visas have been revoked for minor infractions following a massive database search.

**News Article:**

**Indian Student Wins Legal Reprieve from Deportation Amidst Trump Administration Crackdown**

SIOUX FALLS, SD – Priya Saxena, an Indian PhD graduate from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, has secured a legal victory against the Trump administration, preventing her deportation from the United States. The 28-year-old’s student visa was unexpectedly revoked in April by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) citing a 2021 traffic violation – failing to stop for an emergency vehicle, for which she paid a fine.

Saxena sued the administration, arguing the minor infraction did not warrant deportation. A federal judge initially granted a temporary restraining order, allowing her to complete her doctorate and graduate. This week, the court issued a preliminary injunction, barring the DHS from arresting or detaining Saxena without court approval, citing the potential for “irreparable harm.”

The case highlights a broader crackdown on international students under the Trump administration. According to court documents, the DHS admitted to scanning over 1 million student names through an FBI database, resulting in the revocation of approximately 3,000 visas for reasons ranging from minor infractions to pro-Palestinian activism.

Saxena’s attorney told The Guardian that minor traffic violations are not deportable offenses under immigration law. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for other international students facing similar challenges.

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