A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Harvard University can continue hosting international students amid a heated legal showdown with the Trump administration. 🏛️ The decision temporarily blocks efforts to revoke Harvard’s certification in a key student visa program, safeguarding thousands of foreign learners from deportation risks.
Judge Allison Burroughs called the Department of Homeland Security’s May move to strip Harvard’s visa privileges "arbitrary and capricious," siding with the university’s claim that the action was retaliation for resisting policy changes on campus protests and admissions. 📜 The ruling marks the second time this summer Burroughs has halted Trump-era restrictions targeting Harvard’s international student community.
Over 7,000 students faced uncertainty after the administration revoked Harvard’s visa program status, threatening their legal stay in the U.S. 🌏 The case highlights growing tensions between elite universities and federal authorities over issues like free speech, diversity, and academic independence.
💡 Why it matters: With international students contributing $44 billion annually to the U.S. economy, this ruling could set a precedent for similar battles at other colleges. Critics argue the administration’s actions—including cutting $2.6B in Harvard research grants—reflect broader clashes over campus culture and global education access.
