A federal judge indefinitely blocked a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) effort to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students.
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs said she would grant Harvard’s motion at a hearing late last month, and Friday’s order puts it in full force with a requirement that the Trump administration provide an update on how it’s complying within 72 hours.
Last month, the DHS rescinded Harvard’s ability to participate in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which would effectively block the school from enrolling new international students and force current ones to transfer or lose their legal status.
It’s part of a broader battle the administration has waged with the Ivy League school over its refusal to comply with a list of demands, which include changes to its admissions and hiring policies and a stronger stance against antisemitism.
Burroughs, an appointee of former President Obama, quickly agreed to block the DHS revocation on a temporary basis. Friday’s order extends the block indefinitely as the litigation proceeds.
After Harvard went to court, President Trump took aim at the school by signing a proclamation that blocks visas for foreign students planning to attend Harvard.
Burroughs temporarily halted that proclamation on an emergency basis, but she has yet to decide whether it, too, will be indefinitely blocked as the lawsuit moves ahead. The judge heard arguments in her courtroom Monday.
Earlier on Friday, Trump suggested he is on the cusp of reaching a “deal” with Harvard.
“Many people have been asking what is going on with Harvard University and their largescale improprieties that we have been addressing, looking for a solution. We have been working closely with Harvard, and it is very possible that a Deal will be announced over the next week or so,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.