A federal judge in California has halted the Trump administration’s efforts to revoke the immigration status of thousands of international students, marking a significant legal setback for the outgoing president’s policies.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White ruled that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acted arbitrarily in terminating the legal status of foreign students flagged in a database linked to campus activism, including pro-Palestinian protests. The decision provides nationwide relief, protecting students from potential deportation.
Targeting Elite Universities
The ruling comes amid a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on elite U.S. universities. Earlier, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination of Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. This move effectively bars the institution from admitting new international students starting in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Current international students at Harvard have been given until December to transfer to other schools or risk losing their legal status. Secretary Noem stated that Harvard failed to comply with requests for surveillance records of student protests over the past five years. Harvard, which hosts nearly 6,800 international students this year, has condemned the action as illegal retaliation.
The administration has also frozen approximately $3 billion in federal grants to Harvard and has issued similar threats to other institutions, including Columbia University.
Hong Kong Universities Offer Support
As uncertainties grow in the United States, top universities in China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are stepping in to assist affected students. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have launched programs to welcome displaced Harvard students and applicants.
HKUST has extended an open invitation to Harvard’s international undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as those with confirmed offers, to continue their studies in Hong Kong. The university promises unconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures, and academic support. Ranked among the world’s top 50 universities in QS 2025, HKUST is known for its emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary education.
Similarly, HKU is accepting transfer applications from students currently enrolled at top 50 global universities, including Harvard. HKU offers a world-class education with strong ties to Asia’s innovation ecosystems and remains committed to academic excellence and inclusivity.
