First of I do not agree with the term you are using "ransom"-- your brother is not bring kidnapped. Second you've clearly said it is "deposit". It may be mandatory for Intl students to have deposit for second semester (as coolbuddy pointed out most of the schools know what we Intl students do after first semester). The onle options I see id pay the deposit or get i20 from other schools, if not shoot for spring '15. Thanks.