Judge issues temporary injunction against Trump administration's ban on Harvard admitting foreign students.

Judge issues temporary injunction against Trump administration's ban on Harvard admitting foreign students.

In a significant legal victory for Harvard University, a federal judge has issued a temporary injunction against the Trump administration's ban on the Ivy League institution admitting foreign students for the 2025–26 academic year. The injunction, granted on May 23, 2025, temporarily halts the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) decision to revoke Harvard's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) [1].

The injunction comes as Harvard University has been embroiled in a contentious dispute with the Trump administration over allegations of failing to address rising antisemitism and pro-Hamas sentiments on campus. The DHS, in a press briefing on May 22, cited Harvard's inability to ensure a safe environment for all students as the primary reason for the ban [1].

The judge's ruling provides a temporary reprieve for Harvard, which enrolls nearly 6,800 foreign students from over 100 countries. The injunction allows Harvard to continue admitting international students while the case proceeds through the legal system. The university has filed a lawsuit challenging the DHS's decision, arguing that it violates the First Amendment and constitutes unconstitutional retaliation [2].

The Trump administration, through Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, had demanded that Harvard submit extensive documentation within 72 hours, including disciplinary records and audio or video recordings of foreign students involved in protests or dangerous activities. Failure to comply would have resulted in the loss of Harvard's ability to enroll international students [1].

Harvard President Alan Garber has stated that the university will not comply with the administration's demands, asserting that it would be a "violation of Harvard's core, legally-protected principles." The university has maintained that it has made significant efforts to combat antisemitism and ensure campus safety [2].

The injunction is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Harvard and the Trump administration. Legal analysts anticipate that the case will be challenged in court, with the administration's decision potentially facing judicial scrutiny. The DHS investigation into Harvard's compliance with federal regulations and campus safety concerns remains active, with no specific timeline for its conclusion [1].

The broader implications of this case are significant for the U.S. higher education system. The Trump administration has warned other universities that similar consequences await institutions that fail to address hate and ensure a secure environment. The injunction at Harvard may serve as a precedent for other institutions facing similar challenges [1].

References:
[1] https://organiser.org/2025/05/23/293649/world/failed-to-address-rising-antisemitism-pro-hamas-sentiments-harvard-faces-ban-from-enrolling-foreign-students/
[2] https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/harvard-foreign-students-enrollment/2025/05/23/id/1212105/