Harvard University has secured a 30-day reprieve from the Trump administration's efforts to restrict its enrollment of international students. The dispute centers on the university's certification to admit foreign students, which, if revoked, would affect approximately 25% of Harvard's student population.
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs is slated to review a request on Thursday to extend her temporary order that currently blocks the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from enforcing the revocation. The DHS had previously announced actions to rescind Harvard's certification, but must adhere to regulatory requirements including a 30-day period for challenging allegations before such changes take effect.
President Donald Trump publicly criticized Harvard's international enrollment, demanding a 15% cap on non-U.S. students, labeling the situation as one where Harvard 'has got to behave themselves.' The administration has accused the university of fostering antisemitism, promoting campus violence, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party. Harvard's legal team vehemently denies these charges, describing them as a retaliatory attack on academic freedom.
Additionally, Harvard is involved in a separate legal challenge concerning the Trump administration's decision to withhold $3 billion in federal research funding. The university contends that the sudden removal of its certification violated federal regulations which require prior notice and justification, along with the opportunity to contest allegations. Harvard also accuses the administration of infringing on its constitutional rights related to free speech and due process as outlined by the Administrative Procedure Act.
This ongoing legal confrontation highlights significant tensions between federal immigration authorities and major academic institutions. Updates on the case and related proceedings are being closely monitored.
