Boston, MA - A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction yesterday, preventing the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. The SEVP certification allows Harvard to enroll international students on F-1 and M-1 visas. The Trump administration's policy, announced last month, would have required international students to attend in-person classes or risk deportation. Harvard, along with MIT, filed a lawsuit challenging the policy, arguing that it was arbitrary and capricious and violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
The judge's decision cited the potential for irreparable harm to international students and the university if the policy were implemented. The ruling stated that the government had not adequately justified the need for the policy change, particularly given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Advocates for international students praised the decision, calling it a victory for academic freedom and diversity. The Department of Justice has not yet commented on whether it will appeal the ruling. The legal battle is expected to continue in the coming months, with potential implications for other universities and international students across the country. This case underscores the complex relationship between immigration policy and higher education in the United States. The future of international students at Harvard and other universities remains uncertain.
Harvard Visa Program Blocked: Court Ruling Favors University
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's efforts to revoke Harvard University's visa program. This decision halts a plan that critics argued would negatively impact international students studying in the United States. The ruling prevents the government from enforcing the policy while the legal challenge proceeds. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between universities and the government regarding immigration policies.