The Trump administration has decided not to immediately cancel Harvard University’s ability to admit international students. Instead, they will allow Harvard 30 days to respond to the government’s claims through a longer administrative process.
This move came after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security sent a notice to Harvard saying it planned to withdraw the school’s certification to enroll foreign students. The notice was filed in court just before a hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston.
The judge was preparing to issue a ruling on whether to extend a temporary block that prevented the Trump administration from going forward with the plan.
Judge Burroughs said that going back to the original plan would harm both Harvard and its students. She explained that she would issue a broader order to keep things as they are until the new administrative process is completed. Harvard had argued that taking away its ability to admit foreign students violated its constitutional rights, including free speech and due process.
The university also said the Department of Homeland Security did not follow proper rules, which require giving schools at least 30 days to respond and a chance to appeal.Harvard warned that if it loses this right, it would affect about a quarter of its student population and cause serious damage to the institution.
The school denied the Trump administration’s claims that it was biased against conservatives, promoted antisemitism, or worked with the Chinese Communist Party.
Homeland Security officials said they sent the notice after Harvard showed signs that it would follow the rules of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. This program lets U.S. schools admit international students legally.
However, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released a harsh statement, saying Harvard puts its students in danger and spreads hate in America. She said the university needs to change before it can keep receiving support from American taxpayers.
Harvard did not give an immediate comment on the situation.The decision announced on May 22 marks an aggressive step by the Trump administration. Harvard’s legal team said this was an attack on the university’s freedom and part of a broader effort to control its curriculum, governance, and academic views.
The case is being heard by Judge Burroughs, who was appointed by former President Obama. She is also handling a separate case where Harvard is challenging the administration’s move to end almost $3 billion in research funding.
Noem claimed without evidence that Harvard promotes violence and antisemitism and works with the Chinese Communist Party. She also accused the school of not cooperating with requests for detailed information on its foreign students, including any involvement in illegal or violent activities.
Harvard responded by saying the decision would have a severe impact on the university. The school currently has nearly 6,800 international students, which is around 27% of its total enrollment.
If the government move goes forward, Harvard will not be able to admit new foreign students, and current international students could be forced to transfer or lose their legal status. President Trump also said on Wednesday that Harvard should limit international student admissions to 15%.
The report is a courtesy from Reuters.
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