WASHINGTON — A federal judge issued a temporary order late Thursday to halt President Donald Trump’s latest proclamation banning foreign students from attending Harvard University. This decision marks a significant legal hurdle for the Trump administration as it attempts to restrict the enrollment of international scholars at the prestigious Ivy League institution.
The proclamation, enacted on Wednesday, is part of a broader governmental effort to limit foreign student enrollment, which has risen to account for nearly a quarter of Harvard’s student population. Harvard promptly responded with a lawsuit, arguing that the ban represented retaliation for the university’s refusal to comply with specific White House directives. The suit contends that the president’s actions circumvent a prior court ruling designed to protect international students.
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, based in Boston, granted the temporary restraining order shortly after the legal challenge was filed. In her ruling, Burroughs noted that Harvard had sufficiently demonstrated the potential for “immediate and irreparable injury” should the proclamation remain in effect before the court could fully address the lawsuit.
This ruling not only blocks the new proclamation but extends an earlier temporary hold against the Department of Homeland Security’s actions to revoke Harvard’s ability to host foreign students. Just last month, the agency had rescinded Harvard’s certification, a move that was similarly halted by Burroughs. The new order invoked different legal grounds which may complicate ongoing litigation.
If the constraints outlined in Trump’s proclamation were to be enforced, thousands of incoming students scheduled to begin their studies in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during the summer and fall semesters would face significant barriers. The enforcement of such a ban would disrupt the educational journeys of over 7,000 students holding F-1 and J-1 visas, raising concerns about government retaliation against the university for its stance on various political issues.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Harvard is proactively developing contingency plans to ensure that its students and visiting scholars can continue their academic activities. University President Alan Garber emphasized to the community that Harvard thrives on its global connections and the unique contributions brought by diverse perspectives.
Harvard’s international student enrollment has surged, now comprising 26% of its total student body, up from 11% three decades ago. This demographic shift has left elite institutions like Harvard particularly vulnerable to governmental scrutiny. Under pressure from certain political factions, the administration has targeted leading universities, accusing them of fostering “woke” ideologies and forming environments perceived as hostile.
Despite facing external pressures, Garber reaffirmed that Harvard is committed to addressing issues such as antisemitism while adhering to its core principles and values. The institution is also grappling with the potential impacts of federal funding cuts tied to its stance on various social and political matters. Though Harvard’s substantial endowment of $53 billion offers some financial resilience, Garber warned that the repercussions of such actions could lead to difficult decisions down the line.
In summary, the legal clash over international enrollment at Harvard underscores the complexities of higher education amid a politically charged climate, with the potential for broader implications affecting research and global prestige for top-tier universities.
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