Federal Judge Blocks Trump Ban on Harvard International Students

A federal judge, Allison D. Burroughs, has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, preserving the status quo while the administration follows a 30-day administrative process. The Trump administration had accused Harvard of fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party, and sought to end Harvard's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a move that would affect about a quarter of Harvard's student body. Harvard has challenged the administration's actions as violations of free speech, due process, and administrative law, arguing that the revocation would cause immediate and irreparable harm by forcing many international students to transfer or drop out. The legal battle is part of a broader campaign by President Trump, who has also called for a cap on foreign students at Harvard and directed federal agencies to cancel contracts with the university, alleging without evidence that some international students could be radicalized. Judge Burroughs expressed concern about the impact on students and the university and is maintaining the injunction until the administrative process concludes. This case highlights tensions between the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies and concerns over academic freedom and institutional rights.