Federal judge blocks Trump's move to bar international students from Harvard in major US education ruling

Time of India

5 hours ago

US court halts Trump's visa crackdown on Harvard's international students
A federal judge in Boston has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's latest attempt to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students, marking a significant moment in the ongoing legal standoff between one of the world's most prestigious universities and the current US administration.
The ruling, handed down by US District Judge Allison Burroughs, ensures that Harvard can continue to host its nearly 7,000 international students — about one-quarter of its total enrollment — while broader legal proceedings continue.
The decision represents a critical win for the Ivy League school, which has been in legal conflict with the federal government over multiple policy decisions impacting academic freedom, international student mobility, and the university's operational autonomy.
While the ruling does not offer a permanent solution, it reinforces Harvard's position against what it claims are politically motivated efforts by the Trump administration to penalize the institution.
Court decision halts a second attempt by the administration
The legal battle intensified after the Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program in May.
This would have forced thousands of students to either leave the country or transfer, severely disrupting their education. Harvard responded by suing the agency, alleging that the action was taken without proper procedure and in retaliation for the university's refusal to comply with the White House's demands on issues including campus protests, admissions, and hiring practices.
Just weeks later, President Trump issued a new proclamation attempting to bypass the court's temporary block, again aiming to prevent foreign students from attending Harvard.
Judge Burroughs intervened once more, temporarily blocking this second action as well, according to reporting by the Associated Press. Her latest ruling maintains that block, though she emphasized that the federal government still retains the authority to conduct normal reviews of international student programs.
Impact on students and institutional reputation
Harvard argued in court filings that the federal actions had created an atmosphere of 'profound fear, concern, and confusion' for international students, many of whom were left in limbo about their academic futures.
As reported by the Associated Press, Maureen Martin, director of Harvard's immigration services, said that many students had considered transferring due to uncertainty over their visa status.
The sanctions also harmed Harvard's global reputation, the university claimed, jeopardizing its ability to attract top talent. 'Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard,' the lawsuit stated, highlighting how crucial foreign scholars are to its academic mission.
Broader political tensions continue
This legal conflict is part of a broader dispute between Harvard and the Trump administration. As reported by the Associated Press, the government has already cut over $2.6 billion in research funding, canceled contracts, and even threatened the university's tax-exempt status. The administration demanded access to extensive records related to international students, claiming concerns about national security.
While Trump said in a Truth Social post that negotiations with Harvard were ongoing and that the university had been acting 'appropriately,' Harvard has held firm, with President Alan Garber stating that the university would not abandon its 'core, legally-protected principles,' as quoted by the Associated Press.
As the legal fight continues, Harvard says it is making contingency plans to support its international students, ensuring their education remains uninterrupted despite the political challenges.
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