Boston: US Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Action Against Harvard

A judge in the U.S. has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University’s ability to register foreign students. This decision comes after Harvard filed a complaint in Boston federal court, asserting that the administration’s actions are a “blatant violation” of the Constitution and other federal regulations. The university highlighted that this revocation would have an “immediate and devastating effect” on over 7,000 visa holders.

Harvard stated that the government’s move would eliminate a significant portion of its international student body, which greatly contributes to the university’s mission. The institution expressed that “without international students, Harvard is not Harvard,” emphasizing its longstanding tradition of fostering a diverse academic community.

U.S. District Judge Alison Burrows, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, issued a temporary restraining order to halt the policy changes.

This pressure from the Trump administration is viewed as part of a broader Republican strategy to compel universities and other independent sectors to align with the administration’s agenda. This campaign includes moves against foreign students involved in protests linked to Palestine and attempts to influence legal frameworks surrounding immigrant judges.

Harvard, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has also contested previous decisions that involved frozen federal grants amounting to $3 billion.

While some agencies have made accommodations to meet Trump’s demands—like Columbia University revamping its curriculum—others, including several law firms, have taken legal action against the administration.

In a statement reacting to the lawsuit, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson criticized Harvard, suggesting that if the university truly cared about addressing issues of anti-Semitism on campus, it would not find itself in this predicament. She urged the institution to focus on fostering a safer campus environment rather than engaging in what she termed “frivolous lawsuits.”

The revocation of the Harvard Student and Exchange Visitor Program accreditations for the 2025-2026 academic year was announced by Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem, who cited allegations of anti-Semitism and coordination with the Chinese Communist Party as justifications. In a letter, she demanded records related to international students, stating that Harvard has fostered a hostile environment for Jewish students.

Harvard responded strongly against these allegations, describing them as arbitrary and an infringement on academic independence. The institution’s officials condemned the actions taken by the administration, stating they believe such measures are intended to curb Harvard’s autonomy.

This academic year, Harvard has enrolled nearly 6,800 international students, a sizable 27% of its total enrollment. The university indicated that the cancellation of its accreditation would disrupt numerous academic programs and impact students just days before graduation.

Moreover, Harvard criticized the revocation as an attempt by the government to exert control over free speech and academic freedom.