A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from cutting off Harvard University’s enrollment of foreign students. Harvard filed a lawsuit claiming the government’s action violates the First Amendment, affecting more than 7,000 visa holders.
The big picture: The government’s move was described as unconstitutional retaliation for defying political demands, putting a quarter of Harvard’s student body, mainly international students, at risk. The lawsuit sought to overturn the action that would have immediate and devastating effects on the university.
- U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a ruling that temporarily blocked the sanction against Harvard while the lawsuit proceeds. The administration’s decision has created uncertainty and disruption on campus just days before graduation.
- International students at Harvard, involved in various academic and extracurricular activities, are faced with the dilemma of transferring or risking their legal status to stay in the country due to the sudden changes in enrollment policies.
