A US federal judge has temporarily halted a controversial policy that would have barred international students from attending Harvard University, delivering a reprieve for thousands of scholars amid escalating legal battles over education access. The ruling blocks the Trump administration's attempt to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll non-US students while litigation continues.
The case has drawn global attention as American universities host over 1 million international students annually, with Asian scholars comprising 70% of Harvard's international cohort. Education analysts warn such policies could disrupt academic exchanges and weaken US competitiveness in attracting global talent.
While the injunction offers temporary relief, uncertainty persists for students from countries including China, India, and South Korea. 'This decision preserves critical opportunities for cross-cultural learning,' said Harvard spokesperson Lin Wei, emphasizing the university's commitment to diversity.
Business leaders and Asian diaspora groups have closely monitored the case, noting potential ripple effects on innovation pipelines and US-Asia educational ties. The ruling comes as universities worldwide compete to attract top talent, with Singapore and Japan recently expanding English-language STEM programs.
