New York: A US judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University’s ability to enrol foreign students.
US District Judge Allison Burroughs, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, issued the temporary restraining order freezing the policy, reported Reuters.
Earlier in the day, Harvard filed a complaint in Boston federal court, calling the revocation a “blatant violation” of the US Constitution and other federal laws, which had an “immediate and devastating effect” on the university and more than 7,000 visa holders.
“With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission… Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard,” the 389-year-old Ivy League institution stated.
In a statement before Burroughs’ order, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed Harvard’s lawsuit.
“If only Harvard cared this much about ending the scourge of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators on their campus they wouldn’t be in this situation to begin with,” Jackson said.
“Harvard should spend their time and resources on creating a safe campus environment instead of filing frivolous lawsuits,” she added.
The termination of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, effective with the 2025-2026 academic year, was announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
She said the termination was justified because of Harvard’s “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.”