Federal Judge Blocks Administration's Attempt to Revoke Harvard's Enrollment of International Students

A federal judge in Massachusetts has issued a preliminary injunction preventing the government from revoking Harvard University's ability to enroll international students. U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs directed the administration to prepare guidance instructing officials to disregard the original notice and to restore every visa holder and applicant to their prior status. This action must be completed within 72 hours. The injunction also prohibits the administration from altering or terminating Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. The administration is expected to appeal this ruling to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. This decision follows the administration's earlier attempt in May to terminate Harvard's certification, which allows the university to enroll international students on F-1 and M-1 visas. Harvard filed a lawsuit the following day and was granted a temporary restraining order by Judge Burroughs shortly thereafter. In a separate proclamation released earlier this month, the administration announced plans to deny visas to foreign students intending to attend Harvard. The university amended its May lawsuit to challenge this proclamation, and Judge Burroughs granted a halt to its enforcement. During a hearing on the injunction, an attorney for the university accused the administration of using international students as leverage and targeting Harvard specifically. Department of Justice attorneys cited national security concerns, expressing distrust in Harvard's ability to vet thousands of international students. An administration attorney previously stated that while there are no current concerns regarding other institutions, this stance could change. The government has been engaged in ongoing disputes with Harvard. In April, the administration's Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced plans to cut more than $2 billion in grants after the university rejected demands, including restrictions on accepting international students deemed hostile to American values and institutions. Harvard responded by suing the administration, alleging an attempt to exert unprecedented and improper control over the university. As tensions escalated, the administration further requested that all federal agencies terminate contracts with Harvard, amounting to $100 million. The administration's actions toward the university have drawn criticism from various groups and support for Harvard from other institutions. Earlier this month, two dozen universities filed an amicus brief supporting Harvard, arguing that the funding freeze would impact more than just Harvard due to the interconnectedness of scientific research and could hinder American innovation and economic growth. Additionally, a group of over 12,000 Harvard alumni filed a separate brief describing the withholding of funds as a reckless and unlawful attempt to assert control over the university and other higher education institutions.