Trump’s Plan to Block International Students at Harvard Halted by Federal Judge
Trump Harvard international student ban blocked by Boston judge in major legal win for Ivy League university.
On June 23, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a preliminary injunction, extending a temporary restraining order she implemented earlier this month. The injunction prohibits the enforcement of Trump’s June 4 proclamation, which would have prevented foreign nationals from studying at Harvard for at least six months.
Harvard vs. Trump: A Clash Over Free Speech and Academic Autonomy
In her ruling, Judge Burroughs emphasized that the case touches on “core constitutional rights” like freedom of thought and expression. She accused the Trump administration of using international students as a pawn in a broader effort to punish Harvard for resisting political pressure.
“The government’s misplaced efforts to control a reputable academic institution… threaten these rights,” she wrote.
What the Ban Would Have Meant
The Trump administration’s proclamation:
- Barred new international students from entering Harvard
- Suggested possible visa revocations for current foreign students
- Cited national security concerns tied to Chinese funding and foreign influence
- Was issued just a week after Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s certification to host foreign students
Political Retaliation, Not Policy?
Harvard has claimed that Trump’s actions were retaliatory—punishment for the university’s refusal to comply with federal demands regarding its curriculum, governance, and ideological stance.
The administration has accused Harvard of:
- Allowing antisemitism to thrive
- Accepting foreign funding irresponsibly
- Failing to meet national security transparency demands
Critics argue that these claims are exaggerated or unproven and amount to political overreach.
The Data: Harvard’s Worldwide Presence
About 6,800 students from other countries attend Harvard, making about 27% of the student body. Additionally, the institution is involved in continuing legal actions to unlock $2.5 billion in federal money that the Trump administration had previously blocked.
A Win for Academic Freedom, But Uncertainty Remains
The Department of Homeland Security, now led by Kristi Noem, has since shifted to using an administrative process to challenge Harvard’s student visa program.
Judge Burroughs has warned that the court will continue to monitor the situation closely.
For now, international students can continue attending Harvard while the legal battles unfold.
Source: USA Today
