US Judge Blocks Trump's Move To Revoke Foreign Student Visas

In a major relief for Indian students studying abroad and other international students, a US federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s decision to revoke visas of foreign students enrolled in American Universities. On May 22, while giving the decision, Judge Jeffrey White of the US District Court of Northern California condemned the Trump administration’s efforts, calling them disruptive and unlawful.

The federal judge criticised federal officials in a detailed 21-page opinion, stating the administration’s action ‘wreaked havoc’ on the legal status of international students.

Read also: US President Bars Harvard From Enrolling Foreign Students; University Calls It “Unlawful”

The district court order follows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decision to revoke Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP). Under the administration’s order, the university could not enrol international students for academic engagements. Although the court order did not directly impact Harvard’s case, however, it is argued that this will weaken the administration’s position.

The Trump administration has taken a tough stand against universities, including elite academic institutions such as Harvard, accusing them of fostering opposing ideologies against the US interest.

Read also: Analysis: How Trump’s Policies Will Impact International Students In US Universities?

The court’s ruling has brought temporary relief to the affected students, however, the tussle between federal immigration policy and academic freedom on campuses is still ongoing.

Several colleges across the US reported that many of the international students’ visas were revoked unexpectedly, even without notifying the universities .

Students from many of the well-known institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Michigan, UCLA and Ohio State University were affected. Reportedly, the Trump administration targeted students involved in Pro-Palestine rallies or speeches. And high-profile detention of students includes Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder who was the leader of protests at Columbia University.

As per the Guardian report, an online self-reported data sheet created by students suggested that students from 50 universities report their visas were cancelled around 4 April.