Harvard Challenges Trump’s Move to Restrict Foreign Student Enrollment
A federal judge is poised to decide whether to uphold a temporary block against President Donald Trump’s recent directive aiming to prevent foreign nationals from enrolling at Harvard University.
Judge Considers Injunction Against New Restrictions
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs will hold a hearing in Boston to determine if the administration should be stopped from enforcing Trump’s latest effort to limit Harvard’s ability to host international students while the university continues its legal battle.
Significant International Student Population at Harvard
Harvard’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is home to nearly 6,800 international students, accounting for approximately 27% of the overall student body. The majority hail from countries including China and India.
Background: Temporary Restraining Order and Funding Freeze
On June 6, Judge Burroughs initially issued a temporary restraining order preventing the government from implementing a proclamation signed by Trump just a day earlier. This proclamation cited national security fears and aimed to suspend the entry of international students intending to study at Harvard or participate in its exchange programs for six months.
Alongside this, the administration has targeted Harvard with measures such as freezing around $2.5 billion in grants and funding and considering revocation of the university's tax-exempt status.
Legal Arguments: First Amendment and Retaliation Claims
Harvard contends the government’s actions amount to retaliation against the institution and infringe upon the First Amendment’s protections of free speech. The university accuses the administration of attempting to control its governance, curriculum, and faculty ideologies.
Two separate lawsuits have been filed against the administration to unfreeze funding and protect the rights of international students to study at Harvard.
Administration’s Steps to Revoke Certification
On May 22, the Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, announced it was revoking Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is critical for enrolling foreign students. However, Burroughs quickly blocked this move, intending to maintain the status quo through a broad injunction during ongoing legal reviews.
Continuing Disputes and Court Proceedings
Following the proclamation, the State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, was tasked with evaluating whether the visas of current international students should be revoked—a move Harvard argues will disrupt the entire university community.
In legal filings, the Justice Department urged the court not to conflate the proclamation with previous administrative actions, highlighting different legal justifications for each.
What’s Next?
As the hearing unfolds, all eyes remain on Judge Burroughs’ decision, which will shape the future of Harvard’s international student programs amidst the intensifying conflict between the university and the federal government.
