Trump’s foreign student ban at Harvard temporarily halted

A judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration. This order blocks plans to strip Harvard University of its ability to enroll foreign students. The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by Harvard. This dispute escalates tensions between the White House and the university.

Harvard claims the administration's decision violates the law and free speech rights. The Trump administration argues that Harvard has not done enough to combat antisemitism. They also allege that Harvard needs to change its hiring and admissions practices, which the university denies.

US District Judge Allison Burroughs issued her ruling on Friday. The order pauses a move by the Department of Homeland Security. This move aimed to revoke Harvard's access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP). A hearing is scheduled for May 29 in Boston.

Harvard argued that this action would erase a quarter of its student body. International students significantly contribute to Harvard’s mission, they said. President Alan Garber condemned the government's actions as unlawful and unwarranted.

In response, White House deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson criticized Harvard. She claimed if they cared about ending antisemitism, they wouldn't be in this situation. After the restraining order was issued, she accused the judge of having a liberal agenda.

Jackson stated that unelected judges should not stop immigration policy control by the Trump Administration.

On Friday, it was quiet at Harvard as classes had ended for the year. Students prepared for commencement ceremonies while renting gowns and collecting tickets for family members. For graduating students, it should be a week of celebration.

However, foreign students faced uncertainty about their future in the US. Many scrambled to understand what would happen next regarding their visas and potential deportation.

Cormac Savage from Northern Ireland is set to graduate soon but feels uncertain about his future in America. He plans to take a job in Brussels partly due to this uncertainty.

Rohan Battula, a junior from the UK, relies on his visa for work in New York this summer. He chose not to go home out of fear he wouldn’t return.

For many international students gathered near the Charles River, relief came with news of Judge Burroughs' order. However, uncertainty still weighs heavily on them.

There are around 6,800 international students at Harvard this year, making up over 27% of enrollment. Many come from China, Canada, India, South Korea, and the UK.

Leo Ackerman planned to study education at Harvard starting in August but now feels sad about losing that opportunity due to these developments.

Eliminating foreign students could harm Harvard financially since they often pay full tuition fees. Undergraduate tuition will reach $59,320 next academic year before additional costs like housing or health insurance are added.

Isaac Bangura moved his family from Sierra Leone after surviving civil war but now faces fears about deportation with his children asking questions about returning home.

The Trump administration has targeted other elite institutions as well over similar issues related to free speech and campus activism against pro-Palestinian views.

President Trump stated that "Harvard is going to have to change its ways." He suggested considering measures against more universities following an earlier funding freeze affecting $2.2 billion meant for Harvard.

Carl Tobias from Richmond University noted federal courts have often ruled against Trump's actions in Massachusetts but outcomes may vary at higher levels like the Supreme Court.

Despite challenges ahead, experts believe Harvard has resources and determination to fight back against these government actions effectively.