US District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration's plans to strip Harvard of its capacity to enroll foreign students, impacting thousands amid allegations of improper handling of antisemitism and accusations of retaliatory actions against the university.
Judge Halts Trump's Bid to Restrict Harvard's Enrollment of Foreign Students
Judge Halts Trump's Bid to Restrict Harvard's Enrollment of Foreign Students
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's effort to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, following a lawsuit filed by the institution.
A federal judge has intervened in an escalating conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard University, issuing a temporary restraining order that halts the administration's plan to restrict the enrollment of foreign students. This legal action follows Harvard's lawsuit, which claims the government's decision represents a violation of the law and infringes on institutional rights to free speech.
The Trump administration had moved to revoke Harvard's access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a government database essential for managing foreign students, citing the university's failure to adequately address antisemitism on campus and calling for changes in its hiring practices—allegations strongly denied by Harvard officials.
In her ruling, US District Judge Allison Burroughs emphasized the immediate need to protect Harvard's diverse student body, which includes over 6,800 international students from various countries, contributing substantially to the university's mission. Harvard President Alan Garber condemned the move, asserting it was a retaliatory act against the university for its assertion of academic independence.
In response, the White House expressed displeasure with the ruling, with Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson claiming the judge's decision reflects a "liberal agenda" and criticized the university's handling of issues related to anti-American sentiments.
The uncertainty looms large over the campus as graduation approaches, leaving many foreign students in a state of anxiety regarding their legal status in the US. Students like Cormac Savage, who is preparing to graduate, feel the tension as they navigate potential employment opportunities amidst fears of deportation.
Furthermore, international students like Isaac Bangura, who has recently relocated his family to the US, worry about possible repercussions stemming from the administration's decisions. With Harvard's ability to accept international students now temporarily preserved, the looming question remains: how will the ongoing legal battle unfold, and what implications will it have for the future of foreign student enrollment across elite institutions?
As the government aims to bolster its control over immigration and university policies, experts suggest that the US courts in Massachusetts—known for ruling against the Trump administration in similar cases—could play a crucial role in determining the path forward for both Harvard and its international students.
