Federal Judge Halts Trump’s Bid to Bar Foreign Students from Harvard
Trump Harvard international student ban halted as Judge Allison Burroughs blocks controversial June 23 proclamation.
The court extends an earlier temporary ban while upholding the constitutional protections of free speech and academic freedom, citing the administration’s actions as punitive and politically motivated.
What the Trump Proclamation Intended
Signed on June 4, the proclamation:
- Prohibited foreign nationals from attending Harvard University or joining its Student and Exchange Visitor Program
- Tasked Secretary of State Marco Rubio with reviewing existing student visas for possible revocation
- Claimed national security concerns and cited Harvard’s foreign funding, especially from China
Harvard Fires Back in Federal Court
Harvard filed two lawsuits:
- To unfreeze $2.5 billion in federal funding
- To protect international students’ enrollment rights
The university accused the Trump administration of violating its First Amendment rights, retaliating for refusing to comply with ideological oversight demands and administrative controls over governance and curriculum.
Judge Burroughs’ Ruling: A Win for Constitutional Rights
Judge Burroughs wrote:
“This case is about core constitutional rights… freedom of thought, expression, and speech… each a pillar of a functioning democracy.”
She condemned the administration’s attempt to “squelch diverse viewpoints” by targeting foreign students and manipulating immigration enforcement.
Who’s Affected?
- Nearly 6,800 international students are currently enrolled at Harvard (about 27% of the student body)
- Many face uncertainty around visa status and long-term academic plans
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem previously revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students, later shifting to a longer administrative challenge
The Trump–Harvard Feud Escalates
Trump’s administration has also:
- Frozen billions in federal funding
- Threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status
- Accused the school of “fostering antisemitism” and “coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party”
In contrast, Harvard’s own task forces reported rising antisemitism and Islamophobia, pointing to a broader climate of fear on campus.
First Amendment Rights on Campus
Civil rights groups and university leaders have applauded the ruling, viewing it as a major stand for academic independence and student protections in politically volatile times.
Harvard is expected to continue pressing for the release of frozen funds and shielding its international students from future immigration crackdowns.
Source: USA Today
