Federal Judge Halts Trump Administration's Move Against Harvard's International Student Enrollment

Court Blocks Enrollment Restrictions

A federal judge in the United States issued a ruling on Friday that prevents the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University's ability to enroll or retain international students, as reported by a news outlet.

US District Judge Allison D. Burroughs granted a temporary restraining order after Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, which had announced the revocation of the university's certification for international students the previous day.

This decision would have barred Harvard from accepting new international students and could have forced current students to either transfer or lose their legal immigrant status.

Following the judge's ruling, international students can continue their studies at Harvard until the court reconvenes on May 29, according to another news source.

The Department of Homeland Security claimed in a press release that Harvard was being held accountable for purportedly collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party and for fostering violence and antisemitism among its students.

In its lawsuit, Harvard argued that the government's decision infringed upon its constitutional rights and would significantly disrupt its operations, as reported by a news outlet.

Harvard contended that the government was attempting to eliminate a substantial portion of its student body, which consists of international students who play a vital role in the university's mission.

Harvard President Alan Garber stated that the revocation was part of a series of retaliatory actions by the government against the university for maintaining its academic independence.

In response, White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson criticized Harvard, suggesting that if the university were genuinely concerned about addressing antisemitism and anti-American sentiments on campus, it would not be facing such consequences.

After the restraining order was issued, Jackson accused the judge of advancing a liberal agenda, according to another news source.

Data from Harvard indicated that there were 6,793 international students enrolled during the 2024-2025 academic year, representing approximately 27.2% of the total student population.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem remarked that enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right, and criticized Harvard for failing to comply with legal standards.

Noem stated that Harvard had ample opportunities to rectify the situation but chose not to, resulting in the loss of its certification.

Earlier in April, the Trump administration froze over $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to Harvard after the university refused to comply with demands to change its policies regarding campus activism.

This action followed Harvard's rejection of a list of requirements aimed at combating antisemitism and reforming university governance.

The government warned that nearly $9 billion in grants and contracts were at risk if Harvard did not adhere to the demands, with Trump also indicating plans to revoke the university's tax-exempt status.

Among the requirements were mandates to report students deemed hostile to American values and to ensure diversity of viewpoints within departments.

Other proposed measures included banning face masks on campus and withdrawing recognition from student organizations accused of promoting violence or criminal activity.

The White House has claimed that universities have allowed antisemitism to thrive during protests related to the conflict in Gaza and US support for it, asserting that Harvard has failed to meet the standards justifying federal funding.

Since taking office, Trump has consistently targeted elite universities over issues related to campus protests and free speech, with Harvard being the seventh institution to have its funding paused.