Judge blocks Trump administration from barring foreign student enrollment at Harvard

Judge blocks Trump administration from barring foreign student enrollment at Harvard

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's ban on Harvard University enrolling international students, following a lawsuit challenging the government's decision. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, prevents the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from revoking Harvard's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Harvard argued that the ban was retaliation for its refusal to comply with politically motivated demands from the government. The university highlighted the sudden confusion caused by the ban, affecting thousands of international students and academic programs. Harvard president Alan Garber expressed solidarity with the affected students, noting their significant contributions to the university and its mission.

The DHS announced it was revoking Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students, which would have forced the university’s international students to transfer elsewhere or risk losing their legal status. Harvard enrolls nearly 7,000 international students from over 140 countries, representing nearly 27 percent of its total enrollment.

The Trump administration has maintained that universities enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right, especially when they refuse to comply with new policies demanded by the White House. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem justified the revocation by pointing to Harvard’s refusal to hand over student disciplinary records and alleged failures in complying with government requests, including demands linked to campus policies on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The ban sparked backlash from Harvard’s academic community. Jason Furman, an economics professor and former Obama administration official, called the move “horrendous on every level,” noting that international students are a significant benefit to the university and the country.

The Trump administration’s move against Harvard is part of a broader campaign targeting universities perceived as opposing White House policies, particularly around campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas war, anti-Semitism, and diversity programs. Harvard is also embroiled in a separate case over the freeze of billions in federal grants and contracts, and the Internal Revenue Service has plans to challenge its tax-exempt status.

Harvard's lawsuit warns that the government’s escalating demands and penalties threaten the academic and research mission of the university and the country’s standing as a global education leader.

References:
[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/harvard-university-row-federal-judge-blocks-trump-administrations-move-to-ban-foreign-student-enrollment/articleshow/121367634.cms
[2] https://www.inquirer.com/education/federal-judge-trump-administration-harvard-international-student-enrollment-ban-20250523.html