New Delhi: US District Judge Allison Burroughs has extended an order blocking the Trump administration from barring Harvard University from enrolling foreign students. The decision came after a temporary restraining order issued last week, which had initially paused the administration’s move.
The case began after Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary Kristi Noem sent a letter to Harvard, demanding the university comply with new requirements or risk losing its ability to enrol international students. In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the DHS, accusing the department of bypassing federal administrative procedures and failing to grant the institution the required 30-day window to respond.
A second letter to Harvard
On Thursday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons sent another letter to Harvard, saying that the university has been given 30 days to respond to allegations that include fostering antisemitism, promoting violence on campus, and allegedly coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.
During the court hearing, Judge Burroughs directed the Trump administration to make no changes to Harvard’s student visa programme for the time being. She instructed both Harvard’s legal team and the Justice Department to work together to draft an agreement that would stop the revocation of the programme. “It doesn’t need to be draconian, but I want to make sure it’s worded in such a way that nothing changes,” she said.
Concerns raised by Harvard
The judge also noted concerns raised by Harvard that international students have been unable to obtain visas from certain US embassies abroad since the previous week. Meanwhile, the Justice Department indicated that the case may be moot due to the administration’s procedural decision to delay immediate consequences for Harvard.
The administration had earlier issued a formal notice of intent to withdraw Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which permits the enrolment of non-US students. The lawsuit filed by Harvard claims this was a retaliatory move after the university defied White House demands. The certification, according to Harvard’s lawyers, was removed without adhering to federal regulations that require advance notice and an opportunity to address concerns.
