In 2003, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a bureau within the Department of Homeland Security, rolled out a new program designed to track data about student and exchange visitors. The program, called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), is designed to manage data about student and exchange visitors while they are in the U.S., balancing the U.S. policy of openness to these visitors with the security interests of the country.

Why Was SEVIS Implemented?

Before the implementation of SEVIS, student and exchange visitor data was maintained by individual schools, leading to a fragmented system. SEVIS automates the data collection process and centralizes the data so that ICE can better monitor aliens holding these visas.

What Will SEVIS Accomplish?

SEVIS facilitates the flow of information, particularly between schools and ICE, and gives ICE more control over school compliance with the data collection system. First, when an alien traveling on a student or exchange visitor visa is admitted to the U.S., the student's destination school is notified of his or her entry. This gives the school officials notice that the student should enroll for the next term. ICE anticipates that this will resolve the issue of aliens entering the U.S. on student and exchange visas, then not enrolling in school.

Second, schools are required to report changes in student status. They must, within 30 days, report any failure to enroll. They must also report any time a student falls out of status, such as by dropping out of school, failing to carry a full-time schedule, or working illegally. This allows ICE to take necessary action in those circumstances.

Third, SEVIS requires regular updates to student data, as well as to important student information, such as name and address changes.

Finally, because schools are required to maintain eligibility to participate in foreign student programs, ICE has more control over school compliance with the SEVIS system.

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