A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to prevent international students from studying at Harvard University, issuing a sharp rebuke of the move as a violation of constitutional rights and academic freedom.
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs granted a preliminary injunction on June 23 that halts the enforcement of a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month. The proclamation sought to bar foreign nationals from entering the United States to study at Harvard or participate in its exchange programs, citing national security concerns.
Judge Burroughs ruled that the administration’s actions threaten “core constitutional rights” including freedom of thought, speech, and expression—principles she described as “pillars of a functioning democracy and an essential hedge against authoritarianism.”
A Political and Legal Clash with Harvard
The decision extends a temporary order issued on June 5, and comes amid a broader conflict between the Trump administration and the prestigious Ivy League university. Harvard, which currently hosts nearly 6,800 international students—approximately 27% of its student body—has filed two lawsuits against the federal government.
The lawsuits aim to:
- Unfreeze approximately $2.5 billion in federal funds that the administration blocked.
- Protect the enrollment of international students, which had been jeopardized by actions from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In May, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revoked Harvard’s certification to host foreign students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Noem claimed, without presenting evidence, that Harvard was “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.”
Judge Burroughs temporarily halted the revocation shortly after it was announced and indicated in a May 29 hearing that she intended to issue a full injunction to preserve the status quo—which she did on June 20. Just a week later, Trump issued his presidential proclamation, intensifying the legal standoff.
Trump’s Proclamation and Allegations
The presidential proclamation, signed on June 4, barred new foreign students from entering the U.S. to study at Harvard for an initial six-month period and directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider revoking visas of students already enrolled. It also cited concerns about Harvard’s receipt of foreign funds—particularly from China—and criticized the university’s response to requests for detailed information about international students.
Trump’s administration further alleged that Harvard has allowed antisemitism to take root on campus, pointing to recent protests related to Israel’s war in Gaza. However, rights groups have also noted rising Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiment across U.S. campuses. Internal reports from Harvard’s own antisemitism and Islamophobia task forces acknowledged widespread fear and discrimination among students.
Despite the administration’s claims, critics have characterized its campaign against Harvard as politically motivated retaliation, particularly following the university’s refusal to alter its governance, academic curriculum, and the ideological direction of its faculty and student body.
Harvard’s Response
In its legal filings, Harvard has accused the Trump administration of violating its First Amendment rights and retaliating against the university for its refusal to comply with demands that would compromise its academic independence. The university maintains that the administration’s actions target international students unfairly and harm the institution’s global reputation and student diversity.
President Trump indicated on June 20 that his administration might reach a deal with Harvard “within the next week or so” to resolve the dispute, though no agreement has been announced.
Broader Implications
The judge’s ruling represents a significant victory for higher education institutions concerned about government overreach into academic affairs. It also underscores the complex intersection of immigration policy, national security claims, and freedom of expression amid heightened global political tensions.
As the legal battle continues, the injunction ensures that international students can continue to study at Harvard without fear of expulsion or visa revocation—at least for now.
