The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alaska filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging it unlawfully revoked Jean Kashikov’s visa status. Kashikov is a recent University of Alaska Anchorage graduate from Kazakhstan.
Kashikov, who earned degrees in Mathematics and Professional Piloting in 2024, was working as a flight instructor under the F-1 visa’s Optional Practical Training program when DHS abruptly ended his status without explanation or notice.
“With over 300 foreign students in Alaska, we must defend their rights,” said ACLU of Alaska Executive Director Mara Kimmel.
The lawsuit claims DHS violated Kashikov’s Fifth Amendment due process rights and the Administrative Procedure Act by denying him a chance to contest the decision.
The ACLU seeks a temporary restraining order to allow Kashikov to resume work.
The case comes amid reports that DHS has recently terminated the status of more than 1,700 international students nationwide.
