US judge blocks Trump admin from revoking Harvard's foreign student enrolment

A US judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students, a move that ratcheted up White House efforts to conform practices in academia to President Donald Trump's policies.

In a complaint filed in Boston federal court earlier on Friday, Harvard called the revocation a "blatant violation" of the US Constitution and other federal laws, and had an "immediate and devastating effect" on the university and more than 7,000 visa holders.

"With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body, international students who contribute significantly to the university and its mission," Harvard said.

"Without its international



students, Harvard is not Harvard," the 389-year-old school added.

US District Judge Allison Burroughs, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, issued the temporary restraining order freezing the policy.

Trump's pressure on Harvard is part of the Republican's broader campaign to compel universities, law firms, news media, courts and other institutions that value independence from partisan politics to align with his agenda.

The campaign has included efforts to deport foreign students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests but committed no crimes, retaliate against law firms that employ lawyers who have challenged Trump, and a suggestion by Trump to impeach a judge for an immigration ruling the president didn't like.