A U.S. district court has ordered the Trump administration to maintain the existing student visa program for Harvard University, ensuring that international students can continue their studies without disruption. Judge Allison Burroughs directed the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department to preserve the "status quo" indefinitely, emphasizing the need to avoid any changes to Harvard's visa arrangements.
The ruling came amid concerns that prospective international students faced difficulties obtaining visas from U.S. embassies abroad, potentially jeopardizing their ability to attend Harvard. Judge Burroughs urged both Harvard’s legal team and the Justice Department to reach an agreement to temporarily halt any revocation of the visa program.
"It doesn’t need to be draconian, but I want to make sure it’s worded in such a way that nothing changes," the judge stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining stable immigration processes for educational purposes. The Department of Justice later suggested that the case might become moot due to procedural delays instituted by the administration.
This decision provides significant relief to international students enrolled at Harvard and offers reassurance to those planning to pursue studies in the United States amid evolving immigration policies.
