U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency that promotes homeland security and public safety through the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration.

Student and Exchange Visitor Program 

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a part of ICE that acts as the bridge for government organizations that have an interest in information on international students.  SEVP helps DHS and the Department of State monitor school and exchange visitor programs, nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors, and their dependents.

Both SEVP and the Department of State use SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, to collect and update information about students, exchange visitors and their dependents.

SEVP periodically requests feedback from the public on draft guidance. When draft guidance is available for comment, you can download it on the draft guidance page.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requires all government agencies to make various types of records available for public inspection in electronic form. FOIA allows any person the right to access various federal agency records and has often been described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government.  With regards to international students, studying in the United States, you can find statistical data on them by visiting the ICE FOIA Online Library.

Resources

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Student and Exchange Visitor Program
• SEVP 101
• SEVIS
• SEVP Draft Guidance
• ICE FOIA Online Library