US Judge Blocks Trump Admin from Barring Harvard's International Student Enrolment
A US judge has temporarily barred the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University's ability to enrol international students. This decision followed Harvard's lawsuit challenging a Homeland Security Department move to block new international student admissions. The ruling allows existing foreign students, including many from India, to continue their studies while the case proceeds, offering relief to thousands aspiring for US education at the prestigious institution.
Unpacked:
The Trump administration claimed Harvard failed to comply with a government request for records related to international students. The administration’s letter also cited unrelated grievances against Harvard, but the university argued the revocation was arbitrary and retaliatory, not based on any legitimate regulatory issue.
Harvard’s lawsuit argued that the administration’s action violated the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act. The university claimed the government’s move was arbitrary, capricious, unlawful, and unconstitutional, causing immediate harm to students and the university community.
More than 7,000 Harvard students hold F-1 and J-1 visas, representing over a quarter of the student population. These students, along with their dependents, would have faced removal from the U.S., and new international students would have been barred from entering for the upcoming terms.
A hearing has been scheduled to determine whether the temporary restraining order will be extended. The case will proceed in court, and the outcome will determine whether Harvard retains its ability to enroll international students while the legal challenge continues.