Overview
- Judge William G. Young said he will issue the order on Jan. 22, creating a presumption that changes to the immigration status of covered individuals are retaliatory unless the government proves legitimate reasons.
- The protection will apply only to members of the plaintiff academic groups, including AAUP and MESA, rather than as a nationwide injunction.
- Young outlined that the government would bear the burden to justify any status changes, describing the measure as a tailored remedy to deter retribution against those who brought the suit.
- At the Boston hearing, Young said senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, engaged in an “unconstitutional conspiracy” that chilled protected speech.
- Hours before the hearing, a three‑judge appeals panel issued a 2–1 decision overturning a lower‑court ruling in the Mahmoud Khalil case, underscoring parallel legal battles as the Justice Department contests the district court’s authority and prepares to appeal.