Judge blocks Trump Ban on foreign students at Harvard
As the Trump administration freezes billions in funding and targets Harvard over diversity and antisemitism, a federal judge steps in to defend international students and academic freedom, setting the stage for a legal showdown with high political stakes.
A federal judge, Allison D. Burroughs, stated she would grant a preliminary injunction to stop the Trump administration from canceling Harvard University's certification to receive international students. The move followed a notice by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel Harvard's right to admit foreign students on grounds of alleged noncompliance and issues about the campus culture.
Harvard promptly sued the government for declaring decertification as illegal and harming substantially its international student body, which is approximately 25% of its student body. Harvard emphasized how foreign students are important to its academic and cultural makeup and voiced concerns about emotional and academic harm.
Judge blocks Trump as Harvard faces Federal Scrutiny over DEI and antisemitism
Judge Burroughs already issued a temporary restraining order that stopped the government from proceeding against Harvard. In a recent hearing, she confirmed that the order will remain in place while both sides submit proposals for a formal preliminary injunction. She stressed the need to maintain the status quo in the court process.
The Trump administration has stepped up the surveillance of Harvard, including freezing around $3 billion in federal funds. It also opened investigations into alleged failures in combating antisemitism on campus and contested Harvard's commitment to the eradication of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. These steps are part of a wider crusade against colleges that are not perceived as being in accordance.
Judge Halts Trump move as Harvard investigated
In response, Harvard's community came together in support of its international students and denounced the administration's actions. At the 2025 commencement ceremony, student leaders and public figures stood up for diversity and inclusion, expressing concern for government restrictions against foreign students and academic freedom.
The Harvard court battle with the Trump administration is a manifestation of deeper strains between immigration policy and the role of higher education. As the case unfolds, Judge Burroughs' ruling gives temporary respite, allowing international students to remain at Harvard until a ruling is made by the court.
