Judge extends order blocking revocation of Harvard’s enrollment of foreign students

A federal judge has prolonged a temporary order that prevents the Trump administration from canceling Harvard’s authorization to admit international students. The extension follows the administration’s decision to offer the university a 30-day window to contest the revocation. The Department of Homeland Security has requested Harvard to present evidence to challenge the withdrawal of its certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which permits the enrollment of foreign students. The evidence includes data on the conduct of international students and a condition to maintain a campus environment free from violence and antisemitism.

Previously, the Trump administration withdrew Harvard’s authority to enroll foreign students, but U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs halted this move temporarily. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released a letter on Thursday, criticizing Harvard for allegedly disregarding oversight and U.S. taxpayer benefits. She mentioned Harvard’s purported non-compliance with SEVP standards and its endangering of students.

Harvard’s spokesperson, Sarah Kennedy-O’Reilly, welcomed the judge’s decision, emphasizing the importance of international students and scholars to the university’s academic mission. Burroughs intends to uphold the temporary order until a preliminary injunction is issued, without specifying a timeline. The order extension coincided with the university’s 347th graduation ceremony.

If the revocation stands, foreign students at Harvard may have to leave the U.S. unless they transfer to other schools. International students constitute a significant portion of the university’s student body. The Trump administration is embroiled in legal disputes with Harvard over federal funding for research grants, with the administration considering reallocating funds to trade schools.

Harvard President Alan Garber expressed concern over the potential funding cuts, emphasizing the value of federal investment in research. The conflict between Harvard and the administration escalated after the university declined to comply with demands from the Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. The administration is also limiting access to higher education for international students, including halting visa interviews and intensifying social media screenings for visa applicants.