A federal judge has temporarily blocked the U.S. government from imposing lasting restrictions on Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students.
Judge Allison Burroughs granted a preliminary injunction on Thursday morning in Boston, where attorneys for Harvard argued against the Trump administration’s efforts to limit the university’s participation in the student visa program.
“I want to maintain the status quo,” Burroughs said, indicating that she would allow Harvard to continue admitting foreign students and those on visas. She instructed both parties to work out a temporary deal that would keep the program in place for now, according to CNN.
“It doesn’t need to be draconian, but I want to make sure it’s worded in such a way that nothing changes,” the judge added. Harvard’s lead counsel, Ian Gershengorn, told the court he wanted to ensure there were no “shenanigans” once the order takes effect.
Just prior to the court hearing, the federal government issued a notice giving Harvard 30 days to argue why it should remain eligible to accept international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor’s Program.
President Trump weighed in on the situation Wednesday, proposing a sharp reduction in Harvard’s intake of foreign students, calling for a cap of 15% rather than the current 27.2%. “We have people who want to go to Harvard and other schools, [but] they can’t get in because we have foreign students there,” Trump said during an Oval Office press briefing.
Trump has also warned that if Harvard doesn’t adhere to a list of federal requirements targeting antisemitism on campus, it could lose $3.3 billion in federal grants. He has floated the idea of reallocating those funds to support trade schools instead.
The courtroom showdown happened just a few miles from Harvard’s 2025 graduation ceremony, where President Alan Garber addressed a cheering crowd of nearly 32,000 in Harvard Yard. Garber, who has pledged to “stand firm” against the administration’s pressure, received a standing ovation as he took the stage.
{Matzav.com}