A federal court has paused the Trump administration’s attempt to strip Harvard University of its right to enrol international students, providing temporary relief to the institution and its foreign student population amid ongoing friction between elite universities and the White House.
In a brief order issued on Friday, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs granted a two-week injunction against the administration’s policy. Harvard had earlier filed a legal challenge in a Boston federal court, arguing that the move violated its First Amendment rights and threatened academic independence. The university described the action as politically motivated and unconstitutional.
Judge Burroughs, appointed during the Obama administration, acknowledged that the university could suffer “immediate and irreparable harm” if the policy were enforced before final exams and graduation. Hearings are scheduled for May 27 and 29 to further assess the matter.
The Trump administration’s decision would revoke Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively halting its ability to admit international students starting from the 2025–26 academic year. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed—without presenting evidence—that Harvard was “promoting violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.”
Harvard has strongly denied these accusations, calling the move a clear violation of legal and constitutional rights. The university warned that the policy could impact over 7,000 international students and disrupt numerous research and academic initiatives.
Allegations of Political Retaliation
Harvard University President Alan Garber criticized the administration’s actions in a letter to the university community, saying they were intended to penalize Harvard for defending its academic independence. He stressed that the government has no legal basis to interfere with private institutions’ admissions or curricula.
“This action is part of a wider pattern of partisan interference in independent institutions,” Garber noted.
The dispute is the latest in a series of confrontations between the Trump administration and top-tier universities, which have often been targets of criticism from conservative politicians. Harvard has also been engaged in legal efforts to reclaim nearly $3 billion in frozen federal grants and defend its tax-exempt status and endowment management from increased scrutiny.
Currently, about 27% of Harvard’s student population is international, including many students from China. The university has defended its academic partnerships while committing to investigate any credible civil rights concerns, including antisemitism.
Students Caught in Uncertainty
Friday’s ruling brought some relief to international students, though uncertainty remains. “This is a promising first step,” said Leo Gerden, a Swedish undergraduate scheduled to graduate this month. “But we’re still in a legal gray area, and the damage from these policies is already being felt.”
Harvard said the abrupt policy shift had disrupted its operations, affecting research programs, legal clinics, and summer coursework. The university argued that the administration’s move was a form of retaliation for its perceived liberal leanings, infringing on its freedom of expression and academic autonomy.
In contrast, Columbia University has complied with certain administration demands. After $400 million in federal funding was suspended, Columbia agreed to review its Middle Eastern studies and disciplinary protocols following similar accusations of failing to address antisemitism.
White House Pushback on Court Ruling
The Trump administration has signaled it may appeal the court’s decision. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson criticized judicial involvement, asserting that “unelected judges have no authority to interfere with the administration’s immigration and national security policies.”
The Department of Homeland Security defended its stance, with spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasizing that admitting international students is a “privilege, not a right,” and universities benefit financially from the higher tuition fees foreign students typically pay.
Potential Financial Impact
Experts warn the administration’s actions could have financial consequences for Harvard. International students, who often pay full tuition, help subsidize financial aid for domestic students. The university, which holds more than $8 billion in debt, has seen a dip in bond market confidence amid ongoing tensions with federal authorities.
Harvard’s international student cohort includes several notable individuals, such as Cleo Carney, daughter of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, heir to the Belgian throne.
