A federal judge in California has halted the Trump administration's controversial policy targeting international students, marking a significant legal victory for academic freedom. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White ruled on Thursday that the Department of Homeland Security acted unlawfully in revoking visas tied to campus activism, particularly pro-Palestinian protests.
Policy Reversal Impacts Elite Institutions
The decision follows the administration's termination of Harvard University's certification to enroll international students starting in 2025-2026, affecting nearly 6,800 current foreign students. DHS accused Harvard of non-compliance with surveillance record requests related to campus protests, while the university denounced the move as retaliatory. Similar threats loom over Columbia University as $3 billion in federal grants remain frozen.
Hong Kong Emerges as Academic Safe Haven
Amid growing uncertainty in U.S. higher education, universities in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are positioning themselves as alternative destinations. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and University of Hong Kong have launched dedicated programs to accommodate displaced Harvard students and applicants, signaling shifting global education dynamics.
