Administration's decision to bar Harvard University from admitting international students contested by a judge
The Trump administration's controversial decision to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students has faced legal intervention. On Friday, Judge Allison Burroughs, a federal judge in Boston, issued a temporary restraining order against the Department of Homeland Security's policy. This order temporarily halts the government from revoking Harvard's certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a program that enables the university to host international students studying in the U.S.
Earlier in the week, the Ivy League institution filed a complaint in the same court alleging that the administration's action violated the First Amendment and threatened immediate and significant harm for Harvard and over 7,000 visa holders. The university argued that the government's move would substantially diminish its student body, comprised of international students who significantly contribute to Harvard and its mission.
The department's decision, announced on Thursday, revoked Harvard's SEVP certification due to concerns over campus safety and collaboration with foreign entities. Specifically, the department alleged that Harvard had allowed "anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators" to assault Jewish students and had hosted members of a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024.
Harvard President Alan Garber had previously stated that the university had taken steps in the past year and a half to combat antisemitism and would stand firm against any attempts to compromise its core, legally-protected principles. The school has yet to address allegations first raised by House Republicans about working with the Chinese Communist Party.
It's worth noting that, as of now, no judge has definitively blocked the administration's decision. The focus remains on potential legal challenges, with Harvard considering filing for an emergency injunction to prevent any further disruption to the affected students' lives. The university is committed to preserving its ability to host international students.
This development comes amid ongoing disputes between the Trump administration and universities over foreign student enrollment policies and access to federal funding. With thousands of international students potentially affected, the outcome of these legal challenges could have far-reaching implications for higher education in the U.S.
Sources:[1] Harvard University files federal lawsuit against U.S. Department of Homeland Security[2] Harvard sues U.S. government to stop international student ban[3] Judge temporarily stops Trump administration from taking action against Harvard's international students[4] Harper, J., & Martin, E. (2020, July 9). Harvard and the Trump Administration's battle over international students. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/07/09/harvard-trump-administration-battle-over-international-students/
- The ongoing legal debates between Harvard University and the Trump administration over foreign student enrollment policies and access to federal funding are rooted in the politics of education and self-development.
- The controversy surrounding the Trump administration's decision to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students is also intertwined with general news about war and international relations, as the allegations of collaboration with foreign entities have been raised.
