US Judge Indefinitely Blocks Trump Suspension of Harvard International Students

A federal judge, Allison Burroughs, has issued multiple injunctions blocking President Donald Trump's administration from preventing international students from attending Harvard University, citing serious constitutional concerns. Judge Burroughs ruled that the administration's actions, including a proclamation banning foreign students based on national security claims, likely violate Harvard's First Amendment rights by targeting the university for its perceived political views and attempts to control its policies. The Trump administration had also frozen billions in federal funding, threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status, and launched investigations into the university. Harvard maintains it will not compromise its legally protected principles despite the pressure, while many international students face ongoing difficulties entering the US due to inconsistent enforcement. The judge emphasized that the case centers on safeguarding freedom of thought, speech, and expression, essential to democracy and a defense against authoritarianism. The legal battle reflects escalating tensions between the current administration and elite academic institutions over governance and ideological control.