A federal judge has blocked a Trump administration rule that aimed to restrict the enrollment of international students at Harvard University and potentially other universities.

The rule, announced in July, stated that international students attending universities that had moved to online-only instruction for the fall 2020 semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic would not be allowed to remain in the United States.

The lawsuit against the rule was filed by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The universities argued that the rule was unlawful, arguing it violated the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs how federal agencies create and issue regulations.

They further contended the rule would disrupt universities’ operations, harm international students, and negatively impact the US economy.

The judge sided with Harvard, issuing a preliminary injunction that temporarily prevents the rule from taking effect.

The injunction effectively allows international students at Harvard, and potentially other institutions, to continue their studies regardless of the mode of instruction (online or in-person).

The judge’s decision stated the administration failed to adequately consider the rule’s potential impacts and did not provide sufficient justification.

The Department of Homeland Security, responsible for enforcing the rule, is expected to appeal the ruling. The legal battle is ongoing.