A federal judge late Thursday temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to ban foreign students from attending Harvard University. This came hours after the university filed an amended complaint in court, arguing that the administration’s move was unconstitutional. Over 7,000 students at Harvard hold F-1 or J-1 visas, which are essential for their ability to study, teach, and conduct research in the United States. Without these credentials, they and their dependents face uncertainty.
Harvard claims the measure targets Harvard-bound students rather than any broad immigration class, calling it a ‘government vendetta’ rather than a national security measure. The administration had previously threatened to freeze $2.2 billion in research funding and accused the university of harboring ‘radical ideology.’ Harvard now alleges that the Department of Homeland Security is continuing to act on Trump’s proclamation despite previous judicial restraints. The university is represented by former special counsel Robert Hur, who interviewed former President Joe Biden.
The Department of Homeland Security has defended the move, calling it necessary to restore ‘common sense’ to the student visa system. The legal battle continues, leaving international students in uncertainty as they await a final ruling.