A Nigerian graduate of Youngstown State University has filed a federal lawsuit against top U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department officials, as well as university representatives, alleging her student visa and Optional Practical Training (OPT) were unlawfully terminated without explanation or due process.
Cynderila Patrick, who earned a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from YSU in May 2024, claims in the lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio that the termination of her SEVIS status, which underpins her F-1 student visa, was arbitrary and violated her rights under the Administrative Procedure Act and the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.
The lawsuit names Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons, and Attorney General Pam Bondi in their official capacities. It also names unnamed federal officials and YSU employees who Patrick alleges were involved in the termination.
According to the complaint, YSU’s Office of International Programs notified Patrick via email on April 8 that her SEVIS record was terminated, citing a “criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked.” The lawsuit contends that no further explanation or prior notice was provided, and Patrick had not been contacted by federal immigration authorities regarding any visa revocation.
The filing states that Patrick had maintained her visa status, was enrolled full-time, and has no criminal convictions. It mentions a misdemeanor menacing charge stemming from an email exchange that was dismissed in May 2024, but notes the termination notice did not cite this incident.
Patrick’s lawsuit argues that the termination jeopardizes her pending asylum claim and renders her ineligible for OPT, a program that allows international students to gain work experience in their field of study. She claims the loss of OPT will hinder her professional prospects and that the unexplained termination undermines her credibility in her asylum proceedings.
The lawsuit, filed by attorney, Rhys Cartwright-Jones, seeks a declaration that the termination was unlawful, a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to restore her SEVIS status, an injunction barring removal proceedings based on the termination, compensatory damages, and attorney’s fees.
The legal action comes after a 21 News reports earlier this month that the Trump administration had revoked the visas of at least 15 YSU international students as part of a broader action affecting students at numerous universities nationwide. While those reports did not detail the specific reasons for the revocations, they noted that some students had no criminal records, while others had minor offenses.
YSU President Bill Johnson previously stated in a letter to affected students that the university was working with federal officials to understand the situation and support the students.
None of the named defendants had filed a response to the complaint as of Thursday evening. 21 News has reached out to the Justice Department and YSU and is still waiting for comment. (WFMJ, but headline rejigged)
