In a significant legal win for Harvard University, a federal judge in Boston has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s effort to stop the Ivy League institution from enrolling international students. The ruling comes from an ongoing conflict between Harvard and the Trump administration, which has escalated to include threats to cut billions in federal funding and revoke the university’s tax-exempt status.
According to Reuters, on May 22, 2025, Donald’s Trump administration stated that Harvard University could not enroll international students, as they will not provide student visas to them. This decision came after Harvard filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s move, which the university argues violates its constitutional rights and threatens academic freedom. According to the New York Times, Judge Allison D. Burroughs extended a preliminary order on May 29 allowing Harvard to continue admitting international students while the case plays out in court.
As reported by The Hallmanac, the Trump administration has launched a multifaceted attack on Harvard, accusing the university of failing to address rising antisemitism on campus and accusing improper connections with foreign governments, especially China. However, these claims have not been backed by concrete evidence, and Harvard maintains it has complied with all federal reporting requirements concerning foreign donations.
International students make up roughly a quarter of Harvard’s total enrollment and play a vital role in the university’s academic and financial health. Many graduate programs, including the Kennedy School of Government and the Chan School of Public Health, rely heavily on international scholars and students.
According to The New York Times, Judge Burroughs expressed concern during the federal hearing over reports that international students had faced delays or complications with visa approvals, including harassment at airports. The judge emphasized the importance of maintaining the status quo to prevent further disruption, stating, “People are terrified.”
Harvard’s legal team argued that the government’s attempts to block international student enrollment represent a violation of the university’s First Amendment rights. They pointed to a series of social media posts and public statements by President Trump targeting Harvard for its political views and alleged ideological bias. The university contends that these actions are politically motivated rather than based on legal grounds. In addition, Nearly 200 university leaders across the country issued a joint statement condemning what they describe as unprecedented political interference in higher education. They warn that such government actions threaten the independence of academic institutions.
Despite the judge’s ruling, the Trump administration indicated it may continue seeking alternative methods to restrict international students’ enrollment. Homeland Security officials have requested detailed records from Harvard about its international students, including coursework and visa holder conduct, which has raised concerns about the university’s autonomy.
The stakes are high for Harvard. The Trump administration has already frozen over $3 billion in federal funding to the university, significantly impacting ongoing research projects and financial aid programs. Trump has also threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-ex tempt status and impose a higher tax rate on the university’s massive $53 billion endowment, which could have severe financial consequences .
As thousands of students gathered to celebrate their graduation, news of the judge’s ruling sparked moments of relief and cheers among attendees. Yet uncertainty remains as the university prepares to continue fighting the administration’s demands in court.
Harvard spokesman Jason A. Newton emphasized the university’s commitment to protecting its international students and preserving its academic mission. “These students and scholars are vital to Harvard and contribute immeasurably to the intellectual life and innovation that benefits our country,” Newton said.
For now, Harvard remains open to international students, but the university and its community face an uncertain path ahead as the Trump administration continues its aggressive campaign against one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions.
Image Source: New York Post