The most recent judgment on Harvard may come as a sigh of relief for the university, but maybe not for the university’s students at large. A federal court imposed a preliminary injunction, preventing the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from revoking Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.
This order authorizes Harvard to continue enrolling overseas students and scholars while the case is pending. Current and incoming students should continue to apply for or renew their visas using the standard application process.
The preliminary injunction prevents the federal government from revoking Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification until United States District Judge Allison D. Burroughs rules on the University’s lawsuit.
Burroughs asked the federal government to send instructions to consular and customs agents to disregard the revocation and document compliance within 72 hours.
However, the decision does not affect the DHS’s ongoing administrative assessment of Harvard’s F-1 international student program, which began late last month with the issuance of a “Notice of Intent to Withdraw” Harvard’s SEVP certification.
Also, the order does not resolve Harvard’s motion for a preliminary injunction blocking the June 4 presidential proclamation suspending entry of newly admitted or appointed foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard. “That proclamation is blocked by an emergency order, and we expect the judge to issue a more enduring decision in the coming days,” said Harvard in a statement.
Burroughs did not object to the government imposing a “categorical restriction” on Harvard’s capacity to host students, instructors, and researchers on F and J visas, which would have prevented Trump’s June 4 entry ban. A temporary restraining order halting the entry ban is in force until June 23.
According to Harvard lawyer Ian H. Gershengorn, the Trump administration’s lawyers filed a withdrawal notice on May 28 and delivered it to the Harvard International Office at 11:50 p.m. The letter, which serves as formal notice that the DHS plans to withdraw Harvard’s eligibility, kicks off a longer process, giving Harvard the normal 30-day response period to demonstrate compliance with the law.
Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump said on social media Friday that Harvard is in active settlement talks with the White House, implying that a resolution may be disclosed “over the next week or so.”
Donald J. Trump Truth Social post says – Many people have been asking what is going on with Harvard University and their large improprieties that we have been addressing, looking for a solution. We have been working closely with Harvard, and a deal may be announced over the next week or so. They have acted extremely appropriately during these negotiations and appear to be committed to doing what is right. If a Settlement is made on the basis that is currently being discussed, it will be “mindbogglingly” HISTORIC, and very good for our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter!