A federal judge in Boston on Friday temporarily halted the Trump administration’s move to strip Harvard University of its ability to enrol international students, handing the Ivy League school a key win as it fights back against a series of federal sanctions and tensions with the White House.Judge Allison Burroughs’ decision ensures Harvard can continue hosting international students whilst the legal proceedings continue.In May, Harvard initiated legal action against the Department of Homeland Security following the agency’s decision to revoke the university’s authorisation to host foreign students and issue visa documentation. This decision would have affected approximately 7,000 international students, representing 25% of Harvard’s student population, forcing them to transfer or face illegal status in the US. Additionally, new overseas students would have been prevented from attending Harvard.The university contended that this was unlawful retaliation for refusing White House demands regarding changes to campus protest policies, admissions procedures, recruitment practices and other matters. Burroughs promptly suspended the action following Harvard’s lawsuit.In early June, Trump attempted another restriction on foreign students entering the US to study at Harvard, citing different legal grounds. Harvard contested this decision, and Burroughs again temporarily blocked the implementation.The ongoing legal proceedings have created uncertainty among current students, whilst prospective international students worldwide remain uncertain about their ability to attend America’s most established and financially robust university.According to Harvard’s court documentation, the Trump administration’s attempts to prevent international student enrolment have generated “profound fear, concern, and confusion”. Harvard’s immigration services director, Maureen Martin, reported numerous international students enquiring about transfer options.The relationship between Trump and Harvard has been strained for months following the university’s rejection of government demands aimed at addressing conservative criticisms about the institution’s perceived liberal stance and alleged tolerance of anti-Jewish harassment. The administration has reduced research funding by over $2.6 billion, terminated federal contracts and threatened the university’s tax-exempt status.Earlier in April, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered Harvard University to hand over extensive records on any potentially illegal or dangerous activity by foreign students. Although Harvard said it complied, Noem claimed the response was inadequate and, on May 22, revoked the university’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.Harvard filed a lawsuit in response, arguing that the decision severely harmed its global standing and ability to attract top international talent. “Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard,” the lawsuit stated, warning that the sanction would particularly disrupt graduate programs that rely heavily on foreign enrollment.(With inputs from Associated Press)
