A federal court in Massachusetts has temporarily blocked a decision by the Trump administration that prohibited Harvard University from accepting international students. Judge Allison D. Burroughs on Monday, May 29th, granted Harvard's request for a preliminary injunction and upheld the validity of a previous temporary restraining order against the implementation of the government's decision.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on May 22nd that it was revoking Harvard University's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This would have prevented the university from enrolling foreign students. Harvard responded by filing a lawsuit the very next day, May 23rd, and the judge immediately issued a temporary order to maintain the status quo.

The current ruling means that Harvard can continue to accept international students for the time being. However, the department maintains that it will continue to pursue the revocation of the certification through administrative channels.

Judge Burroughs stated that the temporary order will remain in effect until it is replaced by a full preliminary injunction, and that both sides will now negotiate the terms of such an injunction and submit proposals for a final decision.

This development is considered a temporary, but significant, victory for Harvard, and also sets an important precedent for other universities facing restrictions on foreign students.

CMG