BOSTON (LOOTPRESS) — A federal judge on Friday temporarily halted the Trump administration’s attempt to strip Harvard University of its ability to enroll international students, siding with the Ivy League institution just hours after it filed an emergency lawsuit.
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs granted Harvard’s request for a temporary restraining order, blocking the Department of Homeland Security from revoking the university’s certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The judge scheduled a full hearing for May 29, when she will consider whether to issue a preliminary injunction.
In her brief ruling, Judge Burroughs stated the order was “justified to preserve the status quo pending a hearing.”
A Legal Clash Over Academic Autonomy
The court’s intervention came swiftly after Harvard filed a federal lawsuit in Boston, accusing the Trump administration of engaging in unconstitutional retaliation in response to the university’s refusal to comply with political demands from Washington. Harvard argues the government’s move violates the First Amendment and could have an “immediate and devastating effect” on the university and its 7,000+ international students.
“With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body,” the lawsuit states, “international students who contribute significantly to the university and its mission.”
Most of Harvard’s international students are graduate-level scholars from more than 100 countries. The university enrolls roughly 6,800 international students at its Cambridge, Massachusetts campus.
Homeland Security’s Accusations
The legal battle was triggered by a Thursday announcement from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who accused Harvard of fostering an “unsafe campus environment” and harboring “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators.” The administration also claimed Harvard coordinated with the Chinese Communist Party, referencing university programs that allegedly hosted members of a Chinese paramilitary group in 2024.
Secretary Noem warned that Harvard’s case should “serve as a warning” to other institutions. She demanded that Harvard hand over comprehensive records on foreign students involved in protests or “dangerous activity,” including audio and video recordings, within 72 hours.
Harvard officials rejected the accusations, insisting they have complied with all lawful information requests. In a message to the Harvard community, President Alan Garber condemned the move as “unlawful and unwarranted,” asserting that the revocation is part of a broader government effort to suppress academic freedom.
“The government’s destructive action is not based on legal grounds,” Garber wrote. “It is retaliation for Harvard’s refusal to surrender its academic independence.”
Mounting Tensions and Previous Legal Battles
This lawsuit is Harvard’s second major legal challenge against the Trump administration. The university previously sued over the administration’s decision to freeze $2.2 billion in federal grants after Harvard refused to alter internal policies and leadership in accordance with federal demands. That case, also overseen by Judge Burroughs, alleges the government violated constitutional protections in a campaign to assert control over Harvard’s governance, curriculum, and hiring practices.
The administration has floated other punitive measures, including stripping Harvard of its nonprofit tax-exempt status, and pushing for audits of student and faculty political affiliations.
Global Reaction and Impact
The decision to ban foreign student enrollment drew international criticism. On Friday, China’s government warned that the Trump administration’s actions could damage America’s global standing. In 2024, Chinese nationals made up the largest group of Harvard’s international student body, with 1,203 students enrolled.
The loss of international students would also have a major impact on Harvard’s athletics programs. According to Sportico, 21% of student-athletes on Harvard rosters for the 2024–25 academic year are from outside the U.S. Several teams — including men’s rowing, squash, and women’s soccer — would be significantly affected.
What’s Next
With the temporary restraining order in place, Harvard retains its ability to enroll and support international students for now. The outcome of the May 29 hearing will determine whether the court will issue a longer-term injunction.
In the meantime, Harvard officials say they will continue to fight for the rights of their students and the university’s independence.
“We will not be coerced into abandoning our values or our global mission,” Garber stated. “This university stands firm in its commitment to academic freedom, diversity, and the rule of law.”
