Harvard Scores Legal Victory as Judge Halts Trump’s Student Ban
Trump Harvard foreign student ban faces legal rebuke as a Boston judge issues a temporary restraining order on June 5.
The decision, by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, blocks Trump’s proclamation from taking effect as litigation continues between the federal government and the Ivy League school.
Trump’s Directive Deemed Harmful and Legally Questionable
Harvard filed suit against the Trump administration, calling the executive order a retaliatory move that violates prior court rulings. In her two-page ruling, Judge Burroughs wrote that the directive would cause “immediate and irreparable injury.” She said this would affect Harvard and its international students.
The order follows a similar ruling from May 23. In that ruling, Burroughs blocked the Department of Homeland Security’s attempt to strip Harvard of its ability to enroll international students. The restriction targeted Harvard’s participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Harvard: “Without Its International Students, Harvard Is Not Harvard”
In its legal brief, Harvard argued that the ban undermines the very foundation of its academic community.
“The Proclamation denies thousands of Harvard students the right to come to this country to pursue their education and follow their dreams,” the university stated. “Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.”
The school said Trump’s order violates federal law because it fails to justify national security concerns. It also selectively targets Harvard without restricting international student enrollment at other universities.
White House Claims Met With Strong Pushback
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson called Harvard “a hotbed of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators” — claims the school has categorically denied.
Jackson added that Harvard’s policies “jeopardize national security” and vowed that the school “must face consequences.” The administration also threatened to revoke student visas and strip federal funding from Harvard.
Trump’s Broader Campaign Against Harvard Escalates
The proclamation comes amid a wider campaign by Trump to rein in Harvard’s autonomy. The administration has proposed ending the university’s tax-exempt status, freezing federal grants, and demanding control over faculty governance.
Earlier actions by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem attempted to decertify Harvard’s international student program, but were also blocked by Judge Burroughs.
Judge to Consider Longer-Term Injunction
Though Thursday’s restraining order is temporary, Burroughs indicated she would likely issue a preliminary injunction to ensure protections for students during the legal process.
The Trump directive accuses Harvard of ties to “foreign adversaries” like China and claims the university failed to report illegal activities involving foreign students — accusations the school says are unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
Source: USA Today
