A U.S. District Judge has extended a legal order preventing the Trump administration from enforcing a ban that would stop Harvard University from enrolling foreign students. This extension follows an initial temporary restraining order issued last week.
The controversy began when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem sent a directive to Harvard, demanding compliance with new administrative requirements or facing revocation of the university’s authority to enroll international students. Harvard challenged this directive in court, citing procedural inadequacies and highlighting an environment of fear and uncertainty among students.
On May 29, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement director Todd Lyons issued a letter to Harvard giving the university 30 days to respond to allegations underpinning the potential withdrawal of its authorization. These allegations included claims that Harvard had fostered antisemitism and violence on campus and purportedly coordinated activities with the Chinese Communist Party.
Harvard’s lawsuit asserts that the DHS failed to follow proper administrative procedures, specifically the mandated 30-day response period. Maureen Martin, Harvard’s director of immigration services, stated in court filings that the administration’s actions have instilled profound fear and confusion. She noted domestic students are considering transfer or deferral options due to concerns the academic experience would be diminished without a robust international student presence. Several international students have similarly inquired about transferring.
Among the impacted students spotlighted are Cleo Carney, daughter of former Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who recently completed her first year at Harvard within the resource efficiency program, and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, heir to the Belgian throne, currently enrolled in a two-year master’s program in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Reacting to the judge’s temporary restraining order, former President Trump criticized Harvard on social media, contending that the university had strategically sought a favorable judge but pledged that “the Government will, in the end, WIN!”
The Trump administration’s underlying objective is to impose changes on Harvard's governance aligned with its political viewpoints, amid accusations of the institution being a stronghold of liberal ideology and failing to protect Jewish students from harassment. Harvard has strongly rejected these demands, continuing to advocate for its institutional autonomy and resist political interference.
This ongoing legal battle underscores the tension between federal authorities and academic institutions concerning immigration policy and campus governance.
