In a decision that can further deepen the fault lines in the American political sphere, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have taken the US Immigration Authorities to Court in order to prevent them from enforcing new visa guidelines that could force foreign students out of the country if the Universities offer only online classes in the fall. The suit was filed in the District Court, Boston against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a recent development, the US Administration had announced that those non-academic and vocational students holding F-1 and M-1 visa, and are planning to take online classes only, will not be allowed to remain in the U.S.
The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order and a preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to bar DHS and ICE from enforcing Federal guidelines concerning the F-1 and M-1 visa. As per the officials of Harvard University, the Order came down without any notice; that it is a cruel, reckless and bad public policy, therefore illegal. The University officials further assured that they will pursue the case vigorously so that the foreign students may continue their education with any fear of being deported.
[Source: Bloomberg]
[Image credit: New York Times]
