Judge blocks Trump's move to stop international Harvard students from entering US — Will other universities follow suit?

Time of India

2 days ago

Judge halts Trump's order barring international Harvard students — what this means for US student visas
Judge halts Trump's order on Harvard's international students — what does this mean for the future of student visas?
A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's proclamation aimed at preventing international students from entering the US to study at Harvard University.
The ruling comes amid an escalating legal battle between the Trump administration and the prestigious institution.
US District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order, stopping the government from enforcing the proclamation, citing concerns that the policy could cause "immediate and irreparable injury," as reported by the ABC News.
Judge blocks Trump's proclamation citing potential harm
The proclamation, signed by President Trump, invoked the Immigration and Nationality Act to bar foreign nationals from entering the US to study at Harvard for at least six months.
It also directed the secretary of state to consider revoking visas of current international students enrolled at Harvard.
In her order, Judge Burroughs prohibited the government from "implementing, instituting, maintaining, enforcing, or giving force or effect" to the proclamation. This legal move followed a lawsuit refiled by Harvard challenging the proclamation on grounds that it violates the First Amendment and misuses federal law.
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Harvard's lawyers argued the president's actions were not taken to protect US interests but instead represented "a government vendetta against Harvard," as reported by the ABC News. They claimed the moves were retaliatory, targeting Harvard for exercising its constitutional rights to reject government control over its governance, curriculum, and faculty ideologies.
A continuing feud between Harvard and the Trump administration
This ruling builds on a previous decision by the same judge that blocked the Trump administration's attempt to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll international students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
Although the Department of Homeland Security initially tried to revoke the program, the court issued a temporary order blocking that move.
President Trump justified his proclamation by claiming Harvard refused to provide information about international students, was "extensively entangled with foreign countries," and engaged in discriminatory admissions practices. The proclamation also pointed to rising crime rates and called for investigations into potential misconduct by foreign students.
"I have determined that the entry of the class of foreign nationals described above is detrimental to the interests of the United States because, in my judgment, Harvard's conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers," the proclamation stated, as reported by the ABC News.
What does this mean for the future of student visas?
The judge's decision protects Harvard's international students for now but raises broader questions about the future of student visa policies in the US.
The administration's confrontational stance toward Harvard may signal possible restrictions for other institutions, raising concern across campuses nationwide.
Legal experts believe this ruling could set a precedent safeguarding universities from similar government actions. However, the Trump administration has yet to clarify if it will appeal or pursue other measures.
With the ongoing legal battles, international students and universities are closely watching the outcome.
The decision could have far-reaching implications for immigration policy, academic freedom, and the US's role as a global education leader.
As quoted by the ABC News, "This fight is about more than visas. It's about the protection of free speech and institutional autonomy." The case continues to unfold, shaping a critical conversation about immigration and education in the US.
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