### Judge Blocks Trump's Efforts to Restrict Visas for Harvard Students

In a significant legal development, a federal judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump's efforts to restrict visas for foreign students intending to study at Harvard University. This decision follows a legal challenge mounted by the Ivy League institution. On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order against the Presidential Proclamation that Trump had issued a day earlier.

Harvard had amended its legal complaint against the Trump administration earlier on Thursday to specifically challenge the presidential proclamation. The proclamation aimed to deny visas to students from abroad planning to attend Harvard, in what appears to be the latest in a series of confrontations between the Trump administration and the university. Harvard President Alan M. Garber criticized the administration’s actions as retaliatory, pointing to previous demands by the government that included an audit of the student body's viewpoints.

Judge Burroughs extended the existing restraining order related to an attempt by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to revoke Harvard's certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, a move also temporarily blocked by Burroughs. This extension will remain in effect until June 20 or until a preliminary injunction is issued.

The Presidential Proclamation would have not only restricted incoming students but also compelled the State Department to review the status of current Harvard foreign students holding F, M, or J visas, potentially revoking them. In its amended complaint, Harvard contends that both the proclamation and the prior attempt by the DHS infringe on the university's First Amendment rights. The complaint describes these actions as part of an escalating campaign of retaliation for Harvard's refusal to comply with the government's demands to control its governance and academic content.

According to Harvard, the immigration law cited by Trump’s proclamation allows the president to block entry to a class of foreigners only if their entry would be detrimental to U.S. interests. Harvard’s complaint argues that the proclamation unfairly targets individuals affiliated with the university rather than a broadly defined class.

President Trump and his administration have accused Harvard of inadequately addressing antisemitism on campus amidst demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas conflict. This dispute led to the federal government freezing over $2 billion in federal grants after Harvard refused to conduct an ideological audit of its student body in April.

In a letter addressing the Harvard community, President Garber reaffirmed the university’s commitment to defending its international students. He highlighted their significant contributions to the academic and cultural life at Harvard and reiterated the university’s dedication to uphold its constitutional rights in the face of government actions.

Harvard emphasized that its mission to prepare students to lead in a global society is undermined by efforts targeting international students. The university vowed to continue supporting their interests and celebrating their numerous contributions to the academic community.