Judge Halts Trump’s Move to Cancel International Students Visas

A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke the visas of international students whose courses had shifted entirely online due to the pandemic. The decision brought relief to thousands of students enrolled at U.S. universities, many of whom had faced the threat of deportation.

The case began when Harvard University and MIT filed a lawsuit challenging the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) directive. The directive stated that international students would not be allowed to stay in the United States if they took only online classes. Universities, students, and academic institutions widely criticized the move, calling it disruptive and harmful.

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U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, who presided over the case in Massachusetts, said the administration agreed to rescind the rule as part of a settlement. “The policy change threatened students with uncertainty, and this resolution ensures they can continue their studies without fear,” she stated.

Universities and Students Welcome the Ruling

Academic institutions across the country celebrated the ruling. University presidents emphasized that the government’s original directive forced them to choose between protecting public health and retaining their international student population.

International students also expressed relief. “I was afraid I’d have to return to a country where I don’t even have internet access stable enough for online classes,” said Ritu Sharma, a graduate student at a U.S. university.

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The ruling restored the guidance from March 2020, which allowed international students to remain in the country even if their courses were entirely online due to COVID-19 precautions. Legal experts say this decision sets a precedent, reinforcing the importance of consistency in immigration policies during crises.

The judge’s ruling marked a significant pushback against the Trump administration’s immigration measures, especially those seen as abrupt or punitive.