US Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Order on Harvard Foreign Students

A US court in Massachusetts has stopped the Trump administration’s order that took away Harvard University’s permission to enroll international students.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had canceled Harvard’s approval to use the SEVIS system, which tracks foreign students in the US. This order meant that Harvard’s international students had to move to other schools or lose their status.

Harvard has about 7,000 foreign students, including around 780 from India.

In a lawsuit, Harvard said the government’s decision tried to remove a quarter of its student body — the international students — who are very important to the university.

Harvard’s President, Alan Garber, called the action “unlawful and unfair.” He said it threatens the futures of many students and sends a warning to others studying in the US.

The Trump administration has also stopped funding Harvard and tried to remove its tax-exempt status because of the university’s handling of protests and student safety issues.

The court blocked the DHS order soon after Harvard filed the lawsuit, giving temporary relief to the university and its international students.