A US federal judge on Friday stayed the Trump administration's decision that revoked Harvard University's eligibility to admit foreign students. This temporary decision has provided immediate relief to thousands of foreign students, including Indians.
The Trump administration can appeal against this decision
Hearing Harvard's appeal, Judge Alison Beroj stayed the administration's order citing constitutional violations. The Trump administration can appeal against this decision.
Earlier on Thursday, the Trump administration, in an unprecedented decision, revoked Harvard's eligibility to admit foreign students. The administration had informed the university that it had taken this step as part of the ongoing investigation in the university by the Department of Homeland Security.
This decision has created a risk of affecting thousands of foreign students, including Indians. Harvard University on Friday filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in a federal court in Boston, saying the government's action violates the First Amendment and will have an immediate and devastating effect on Harvard and about seven thousand visa holders.
University's direct confrontation with the Trump administration
Earlier on Thursday, Home Security Minister Kristi Noem wrote a letter to the university saying that its eligibility to admit international students has been abolished. This decision of the Trump administration is being seen as a growing confrontation with the university.
More than 6800 students from more than 100 countries are registered in Harvard's schools. These also include 1203 Chinese students. According to the website of the Harvard International Office, 788 students and researchers from India are registered in 2024-2025 in all schools under the university. While Harvard Global Support Services said on its website that 500-800 Indian students and researchers study at Harvard every year.
Students completing their degree in the current semester will be allowed to graduate. Homeland Security Minister Kristi Noem's letter states that these changes will be effective from the academic session 2025-2026.
However, those students whose degrees have not been completed yet will have to transfer to other universities. If they do not do so, they will lose their legal status to stay in America.
The Trump administration has made these demands
This decision will remain in place until the administration changes its decision or the court intervenes. Noem has said that if Harvard complies with a listed demand within 72 hours, its eligibility to admit foreign students can be restored.
The demands include disciplinary records of foreign students as well as audio and video recordings of protest activities. However, Harvard has already refused to provide such records.
Why is Harvard on target
Harvard's confrontation with the Trump administration began in April. At that time, the university refused to accept the administration's demands to limit pro-Palestine demonstrations and abolish policies related to diversity, equality and inclusion.
Earlier this month, President Trump suspended billions of dollars in research grants and other support for Harvard. Noem said the administration holds Harvard responsible for promoting violence, anti-Semitism on its campuses and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party
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