Federal Judge Allows Tufts PhD Student Rümeysa Öztürk to Resume Research and Teaching Amid Visa Challenge
A federal judge has permitted Tufts University PhD student Rümeysa Öztürk, originally from Turkey, to resume her research and teaching activities while she continues to challenge the consequences of her visa revocation. Öztürk had been among the first individuals arrested in March during the Trump administration's crackdown on foreign-born students and activists involved in pro-Palestinian advocacy. She co-authored an op-ed criticizing Tufts University's response to Israel and the Gaza war.
Following her visa revocation, Öztürk's SEVIS record was terminated, which curtailed her ability to teach or conduct research. She was detained for six weeks at a Louisiana immigrant detention center after her arrest and was released in May. After her release, she returned to the Tufts campus.
Chief U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper ruled that Öztürk is likely to succeed on claims that the SEVIS termination was arbitrary and capricious, unlawful, and violated her First Amendment rights. The government argued that the court lacked jurisdiction and maintained that the SEVIS termination was lawful. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter stated that no statute or regulation was violated by terminating the SEVIS record.
Öztürk, who plans to graduate next year, continues to legally challenge her arrest and detention as she seeks to restore her status and continue her academic work.
