Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Ban on Harvard’s Foreign Student Enrollment
A federal judge recently intervened to stop the Trump administration from prohibiting Harvard University from enrolling foreign students.
Harvard initiated legal action against the administration after it sought to revoke the university’s ability to host international students, a move that stemmed from unresolved issues regarding anti-Semitism on campus. An interim injunction was issued, based on earlier restraints against the administration shortly after Harvard filed its lawsuit.
The university had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
This ruling was made by U.S. District Judge Alison Burrows, who had previously addressed Harvard’s admissions policies, recognizing allegations of racial discrimination before the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action. Burrows had supported Harvard in earlier injunctions against the Trump administration as well.
According to a university spokesperson, “The court order allows Harvard to continue registering international students and academics, but the case is still ongoing. Harvard will continue to stand up for this right and for the rights of its students and academics.”
In May, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attempted to rescind Harvard’s eligibility to host foreign visa students, but Judge Burrows immediately halted this action. On June 4, President Trump issued a presidential order that would have circumvented the original injunction against DHS, aiming to prevent new international students from attending Harvard and directing visa re-evaluations for current international students. Again, Burrows quickly issued a temporary restraining order against the president’s actions.
Notably, more than a quarter of Harvard’s student body, totaling 6,793, were registered as international students for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Earlier this year, Harvard rejected the administration’s demands to change its review and admissions process for foreign students and adjust its disciplinary processes, asserting it would not compromise its academic and free speech rights.
The administration responded promptly by threatening sanctions against colleges, including cutting federal funding. Harvard first fell under scrutiny following a September 2024 Congressional investigation that indicated nearly 70 students were involved in a protest camping out for several days during the previous spring semester. Additionally, campus protests drew attention due to complications with class and building occupations.
An internal investigation by Harvard revealed that over a quarter of Jewish students felt unsafe on campus, and almost 60% reported encounters with discrimination or negative stereotypes.
The university has also faced criticism for not reporting foreign contributions as mandated by law. Reports indicate that Harvard received upwards of $100 million from China in 2017 alone and around $1.1 billion from foreign sources, which included approximately $1.6 million from the Palestinian Territories.
