US Judge Blocks Trump Plan to Ban Harvard Foreign Students

A US judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's plan to revoke Harvard University's ability to enrol foreign students, issuing a restraining order after the university filed a lawsuit. The administration had alleged that Harvard had not done enough to fight antisemitism and had failed to change its hiring and admissions practices. The university argued that the decision was a "blatant violation" of the law and free speech rights. Around 6,800 international students, making up over 27% of Harvard's enrolled students, were at risk of being forced to leave the US or face deportation. The next hearing is scheduled for May 29 in Boston.

The Chinese government has criticized the Trump administration's decision to ban international students from Harvard University, saying it will "damage" the US's international standing. The move affects around 6,703 international students, including 1,203 from China. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that educational cooperation with the US is mutually beneficial and opposed its politicization. Harvard has sued the US government, calling the decision unlawful and violating the First Amendment. A university in Hong Kong has offered to take in Harvard's international students, providing unconditional offers and streamlined admission procedures. The issue has sparked tension on Chinese social media, with some joking about the university opening a branch in a Chinese city with a similar name to Harvard's Chinese name.

The Trump administration, led by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, demanded extensive data on international students from Harvard University, including coursework and information on misconduct. Harvard refused to comply fully, leading the administration to retaliate by barring the university from enrolling international students. Harvard sued, arguing the government's actions violated its First Amendment rights and constituted an attempted takeover. The administration's demands for data, including videos of international students involved in protests, have raised concerns about protected speech and privacy law. The conflict is part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on universities it sees as hostile to conservatives, with multiple investigations into Harvard's policies and practices.

Chinese students at Harvard University are worried and uncertain after the US Department of Homeland Security banned the university from enrolling international students, leaving thousands in limbo. A first-year undergraduate student said that transferring to another university is not an option due to a passed deadline and that they are waiting for further news from the school. The ban affects around 27% of Harvard's student body who are international students.