A federal judge has stepped in to protect Harvard University’s student visa program. Judge Allison Burroughs issued a preliminary injunction, preventing any permanent changes to the program. This decision comes amid a legal battle between Harvard and the Trump administration over the university’s ability to admit international students.
The ruling was made in a Boston federal courtroom, where Harvard’s legal team argued against the government’s efforts to limit foreign student admissions. Judge Burroughs emphasized the importance of maintaining the current situation, allowing Harvard to continue accepting international students and visa holders. She instructed both sides to work together to find a temporary solution to halt the freeze on the visa program.
The conflict escalated after the Trump administration gave Harvard 30 days to justify its eligibility to enroll foreign visa holders through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. President Trump has suggested that the university should cut its international student population in half, proposing a cap of 15% instead of the current 27.2%. He argued that foreign students are taking opportunities away from American students who wish to attend Harvard.
In a broader context, Trump has threatened to withdraw around $3.3 billion in federal funding from Harvard if the university does not comply with demands aimed at addressing campus antisemitism. This funding could potentially be redirected to trade schools, according to his statements.
The legal proceedings took place just six miles from Harvard’s commencement ceremony, where President Alan Garber spoke to a packed audience of nearly 32,000 attendees. His remarks were met with loud applause, highlighting the university community’s support for its international students.
During the ceremony, there were protests and statements against both Israel and Trump. Some demonstrators held signs criticizing the university’s stance on various issues. Tensions flared briefly when a group unfurled a banner on campus, leading to a confrontation with campus police.
Faculty members and students showed solidarity with international students during the graduation. Many faculty wore stickers that read, “without our international students, Harvard is not Harvard.” Graduates also wore white flowers to symbolize their support for the approximately 9,000 international students at the university.
As the situation develops, it remains clear that Harvard is determined to uphold its commitment to a diverse student body, while the Trump administration continues to push for significant changes in immigration policy that could affect the university’s future.
