Harvard wins initial legal battle against ban on foreign students

Washington: Harvard University has secured an initial legal victory against the Trump administration’s attempt to restrict foreign students from enrolling.

According to international media reports, a U.S. federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s move to impose restrictions on foreign students at Harvard, stating that a previously issued temporary restraining order will remain in effect.

It is noteworthy that the Trump administration had recently revoked Harvard University's authority to admit foreign students.

In a letter to the university, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem informed officials that the move was linked to an ongoing investigation by the Department of Homeland Security.

Read more: Trump administration halts research grants for Harvard

The DHS stated that Harvard’s Student and Visitor Exchange Program (SEVP) certification had been terminated, thereby barring the university from admitting foreign students and requiring those already enrolled to transfer to other institutions.

In response, Harvard condemned the move as “unlawful”, warning it would cause serious harm to both the institution and the nation.

Following the lawsuit, the U.S. court halted the enforcement of the Trump administration’s decision, allowing foreign students to remain enrolled at Harvard—for now.