In a significant legal victory, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s policy that would have forced international students at Harvard University to leave the United States if their courses moved entirely online.
U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs issued the ruling on Tuesday, granting a preliminary injunction against the policy announced by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The directive would have denied visas to international students enrolled in universities holding classes online amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harvard University, along with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), filed a lawsuit challenging the policy, arguing that it unfairly targeted international students and disrupted academic institutions’ plans during a global health crisis.
“We are grateful for the court’s decision,” said Harvard President Larry Bacow. “Our international students are an integral part of our community, and we will continue to support them.”
International students comprise over 27 percent of Harvard’s student body, with significant representation from countries around the world, including China, India, and others. The policy had sparked widespread concern among students, educators, and foreign governments.
The ruling marks a notable clash between higher education institutions and the federal government over immigration policies affecting the academic community. Legal experts suggest that the decision could have broader implications for how international students are treated in the U.S.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed its concerns over the policy, emphasizing the importance of educational cooperation between nations. “Politicizing education only harms mutual trust and collaboration,” a spokesperson stated.
The Trump administration’s policy had been seen by many as part of a series of measures impacting immigration and international engagement. With this injunction, universities and students alike are hopeful for a more stable academic environment amid ongoing global challenges.
