Judge Halts Trump Administration’s Attempt to Ban Harvard’s International Students

A federal judge in Massachusetts has issued a major legal ruling against the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard University’s certification to enroll international students.

U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs on Friday granted a preliminary injunction, reinforcing an earlier temporary restraining order issued earlier this month. The decision stops the government from enforcing a May 22 notice sent by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that aimed to cancel Harvard’s participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

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Visa Holders Get Legal Protection

Judge Burroughs ordered the government to:

• Disregard the revocation notice
• Reinstate the visa status of all international students and applicants
• Prevent denial of entry based on the revoked certification

The judge also instructed the administration to submit a report within 72 hours, detailing steps taken to follow the court order.

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What Sparked the Ban?

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of fostering an unsafe environment by allegedly supporting pro-Hamas views and implementing discriminatory diversity policies.

The administration argued that the campus was unsafe for Jewish students, prompting them to revoke Harvard’s ability to accept international students and consider cutting ties with the university.

In response, Harvard denied the allegations, calling the action “unlawful and politically motivated.” The university amended its lawsuit and asked the court to stop Trump’s presidential proclamation, which barred visas for foreign students heading to Harvard — a request the judge approved.

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Legal Battle and National Impact

Harvard’s attorney, Ian Heath Gershengorn, told the court the administration was “using international students as pawns”, unfairly targeting the university.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice focused on national security concerns, claiming Harvard could not be trusted to vet foreign students properly.

Although officials admitted they didn’t hold the same concerns about other universities, they hinted that similar actions could be taken in the future.

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Federal Funding Threats and Alumni Backlash

Before this visa controversy, the administration had already tried to pressure Harvard by:

• Demanding policy changes on faculty hiring and student admissions
• Proposing a government-approved ideological audit of staff
• Cutting $2 billion in federal research grants
• Asking federal agencies to end contracts worth $100 million

These actions prompted two dozen universities to file a legal brief in support of Harvard, warning that the restrictions could harm scientific research and U.S. innovation.

In a separate move, over 12,000 Harvard alumni, including celebrities like Conan O’Brien and Margaret Atwood, condemned the administration’s actions, calling them “unlawful and reckless.”

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Trump’s Response and Possible Deal

Despite the legal clash, Trump hinted at a possible resolution on social media.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said, “We have been working closely with Harvard, and it is very possible that a deal will be announced soon. They have acted appropriately, and if a settlement is reached, it will be historic and good for our country.”

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Key Takeaways

• A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to stop Harvard from enrolling international students.
• The court restored visa protections and forced DHS to comply immediately.
• The government had accused Harvard of promoting unsafe, anti-American ideologies.
• Legal and public backlash has grown, with universities and alumni supporting Harvard.
• Trump now suggests a potential settlement is underway.

Stay tuned for updates as this high-stakes legal and political battle continues to unfold.