In a move that revived hope for thousands of students, a federal judge in Boston issued a temporary restraining order on Friday, blocking the Trump administration’s policy aimed at preventing Harvard University from enrolling international students. Judge Allison Burroughs of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts said the measure is “justified” to preserve the status quo pending a full hearing.
Burroughs warned that without the order, Harvard “will sustain immediate and irreparable injury before there is an opportunity to hear from all parties.” The ruling prevents the Department of Homeland Security from enforcing its May 22 notice revoking Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who announced the original revocation, had argued that enrolling international students “is a privilege – not a right” and accused Harvard of failing to comply with federal law. Under the policy, future foreign students would be barred from enrollment, and existing students would face transfer requirements or risk losing legal status.
Harvard quickly returned fire. University President Alan Garber sued the administration for a second time, condemning the action as “unlawful and unwarranted” and warning that it jeopardizes the futures of thousands of scholars. Garber branded the policy a retaliation for Harvard’s refusal to cede academic independence or alter its curriculum and faculty choices.
This showdown is the latest chapter in a months-long clash. In April, administration officials demanded sweeping governance reforms from Harvard, including dismantling diversity initiatives and tackling alleged antisemitism. Harvard rejected the demands, and the White House froze $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts.
According to university data, international students made up more than 27% of Harvard’s student body as of fall 2023. With the TRO in place, these students will retain their status while the courts prepare to weigh in on the administration’s broader authority over academic institutions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
