A federal judge has issued a ruling preventing the US government from prohibiting Harvard University from enrolling international students.

The ruling from Judge Allison D. Burroughs extends a preliminary injunction granted the previous Friday, allowing Harvard to continue accepting international students with visas.

During a recent hearing, Judge Burroughs expressed her intention to maintain the status quo, though her decision is not yet a final determination.

Prior to the ruling, the Trump administration had given Harvard a 30-day deadline to demonstrate that it could continue its practice of enrolling foreign students.

The announcement indicated a possible softening of the administration's previously aggressive stance.

Harvard has been directed to provide sworn testimony to justify why its admissions privileges should not be revoked.

The government’s communication emphasized that this process would allow the university to demonstrate compliance with all legal requirements and address any alleged deficiencies.

The Trump administration's intention is to prevent Harvard from admitting new international students as part of a targeted federal initiative.

Current foreign students are to be transferred to other institutions, or they would risk losing their legal status in the United States.

Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the government, asserting that the administration's directive would cause immediate and irreparable harm.

Judge Burroughs, in her preliminary ruling, had previously concurred that the government’s order posed a significant threat to the institution.

The Trump administration has justified these actions by citing alleged failures of universities like Harvard to adequately respond to pro-Palestinian protests occurring on campuses and claims of tolerating antisemitic incidents.

The ongoing legal context highlights the complexities surrounding immigration policies related to higher education, particularly as litigation unfolds in the coming weeks.