A federal judge has temporarily halted an executive order from President Donald Trump that would have barred Harvard University from enrolling international students.
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued the restraining order on Thursday, citing the risk of “immediate and irreparable injury” to the university if the policy were allowed to take effect. The decision came just hours after Harvard filed an amended lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of retaliating against the school for exercising its First Amendment rights.
The blocked order, which was set to impose a six-month ban, was defended by administration officials as a national security measure. The Trump administration alleged that Harvard had failed to adequately address antisemitism on campus and accused the university of maintaining “extensive entanglements” with foreign governments. The administration also claimed the institution had violated the civil rights of students and faculty.
In a statement following the ruling, Harvard President Alan Garber said the university was preparing contingency plans to support any international students who might be affected by the legal uncertainty.
The legal battle marks the latest chapter in an escalating conflict between Harvard and federal officials. In May, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revoked the university’s certification to host international students, a move that was similarly blocked by the courts.
Harvard’s international community represents a significant portion of its student body. For the 2024–2025 academic year, the university enrolled nearly 7,000 international students, accounting for 27 percent of its total enrollment.
