A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s move to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students, granting the Ivy League institution and its foreign student body a brief reprieve in a wider confrontation between the university and the White House.
In a short order issued on Friday, US District Judge Allison Burroughs placed a two-week stay on the policy, which Harvard has characterised as retaliatory and unconstitutional. The university accused the administration of violating its First Amendment rights and undermining academic independence in a complaint filed earlier the same day in a Boston federal court.
Judge Burroughs, an Obama-era appointee, noted that Harvard had demonstrated the potential for “immediate and irreparable harm” if the decision were enforced ahead of scheduled graduation ceremonies and final assessments. Hearings on the matter are scheduled for May 27 and May 29.
The Trump administration’s move to revoke Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) would effectively block the university from admitting foreign students starting in the 2025-26 academic year. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in announcing the decision on Thursday, accused Harvard—without offering evidence—of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.”
Harvard officials rejected the allegations and said the decision represented a “blatant violation” of constitutional and federal protections. The university noted that more than 7,000 visa holders and several research and academic programmes stood to be affected.
Academic Retaliation Alleged
In a letter to the Harvard community, University President Alan Garber asserted that the administration was attempting to punish the institution for its “refusal to surrender academic independence.” He added that the government had no authority to dictate private curriculum or admissions processes.
“This is not an isolated act. It follows a series of government efforts to exert partisan control over independent institutions,” said Garber.
The dispute comes in the context of broader tensions between the Trump administration and elite universities, which the former president and many Republicans have long criticised as bastions of liberal ideology. In recent months, Harvard has sued to restore nearly $3 billion in federal grants that were frozen or cancelled and has faced threats to its tax-exempt status and scrutiny over its endowment.
International students comprise roughly 27 per cent of Harvard’s total enrolment, with a significant proportion hailing from China. The university has pushed back against bipartisan concerns in Congress over alleged Chinese government influence on American campuses, while affirming its commitment to investigating credible claims of civil rights violations, including antisemitism.
Students in legal limbo
Friday’s ruling was welcomed by international students, although many remain wary of further developments. “This is a great first step,” said Leo Gerden, a Swedish undergraduate set to graduate this month. “But we are still in legal limbo, and there is no single decision that will undo the damage already done by these policies.”
Harvard said the policy’s abrupt implementation had upended ongoing academic activities, including clinics, research labs, and planned summer courses. It argued the administration’s actions were a form of punishment for the university’s perceived political stance, infringing on its rights to free speech and academic freedom.
In contrast, Columbia University—another Ivy League institution—has yielded to some of the administration’s demands. Following the suspension of $400 million in federal funding, Columbia agreed to review Middle East curricula and disciplinary procedures after facing similar allegations of failing to address antisemitism.
White House criticism of judicial intervention
The Trump administration has indicated it may appeal Judge Burroughs’ ruling. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson criticised the judiciary’s involvement, stating that “unelected judges have no right to stop the Trump Administration from exercising their rightful control over immigration and national security policy.”
The Department of Homeland Security also defended the policy, with spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stating: “It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enrol foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments.”
Financial fallout
Analysts have warned that the decision could have financial consequences for Harvard, whose international students often pay full tuition, helping to offset financial aid for domestic students. The university holds over $8 billion in debt, and its bonds have shown signs of weakening amid the administration’s aggressive posture towards elite academic institutions.
Among Harvard’s international student body are several high-profile individuals, including Cleo Carney, daughter of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, first in line to her country’s throne.
