Judges Extend Order Preventing Trump Administration Ban on Foreign Students at Harvard University

BOSTON (AP) – On Thursday, a federal judge maintained an order preventing the Trump administration from enforcing a ban on Harvard University’s foreign student registration.

US District Judge Alison Burrows prolonged the temporary restraining order put in place last week, allowing Ivy League institutions to continue their enrollment of international students while litigation is underway.

Harvard filed a lawsuit against the federal government on Friday after it withdrew the university’s capacity to accommodate foreign students on its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“Harvard will continue to take actions to safeguard the university’s academic mission and its community members, as well as the significant benefits they bring to our nation,” stated a university representative in a release.

On Wednesday, the Trump administration announced a new effort to revoke Harvard’s authorization to enroll international students. In a correspondence from Todd Lyons, the acting executive director of immigration and customs, the government has given Harvard 30 days to respond concerning the basis for this withdrawal, including allegations of coordination with foreign entities and not adequately addressing anti-Semitism on campus.

During Thursday’s proceedings held near the Harvard campus, featured speakers emphasized the necessity of preserving diverse and international student associations.

The dispute over international registration at Harvard is a continuation of the ongoing friction between the White House and the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university. In April, Noem reached out to the institution, requesting various records related to foreign students, including disciplinary actions and incidents of “dangerous or violent activities.” Noem cited concerns related to accusations of anti-Semitism on the campus.

Harvard contended that it complied with the requests. However, on May 22nd, Noem informed the university of a perceived lack of response, claiming that Harvard was being severed from the federal program which enabled it to sponsor international students. This swift action prevented Harvard from hosting international students for the subsequent academic year.

Harvard’s lawsuit asserted that the government violated administrative protocols and regulations in its attempts to remove the university’s capacity to host international students.

Noem’s earlier communication to Harvard indicated that its eligibility was immediately withdrawn. Harvard was not given any regulations or laws that were allegedly breached. The letter sent on Wednesday accused Harvard of failing to report requirements and breaching regulations linked to executive orders aimed at combatting anti-Semitism.

Despite the initial restraining order, the Trump administration’s actions regarding Harvard’s foreign student registration have fostered an atmosphere of “deep fear, concern, and confusion,” articulated the university’s immigration director in court on Wednesday.

In a court filing, Immigration Services Director Maureen Martin indicated that numerous international students had inquired about their status. She added that international students arriving in Boston faced additional screenings by customs and border security agents, while those seeking visas experienced delays or denials from embassies.

Over 7,000 international students, exchange scholars, and alumni engaged in graduate career training depend on Harvard for sponsorship and legal standing in the United States.

Possible sanctions could impact graduate programs that draw heavily from abroad. Belgian student Princess Elizabeth recently completed her first year in Harvard’s Graduate Program.

Trump criticized Harvard on social media last week following Burrows’ temporary suspension of his measures.

The Trump administration has gathered numerous complaints regarding Harvard, alleging that it serves as a bastion of liberalism and accusing it of failing to protect Jewish students from harassment. The government is demanding that Harvard reform its governance and policies to align with the president’s agenda.

Harvard claimed that it was the first institution to stand against government requests, emphasizing the autonomy that has historically attracted top academic talent from around the world. In two legal actions, Harvard accused the government of retaliating against the institution for resisting political pressures.

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The article has been updated to clarify that the judge did not grant the provisional injunction, but did extend the temporary restraining order.

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MA reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Collin Binkley contributed to this report.

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