A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration attempt to strip Harvard University of its ability to enroll foreign students, just hours after the university filed a lawsuit on Friday. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, halts a policy Harvard described as a “blatant violation” of constitutional and federal law.
As reported by Reuters, Harvard warned in its legal filing that the policy would have an “immediate and devastating effect” on the institution and the more than 7,000 international students holding visas—roughly a quarter of its student body.
“With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission,” the complaint stated. “Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.”
The decision marks the latest flashpoint in President Donald Trump’s broader campaign to bring traditionally independent institutions—such as universities, the judiciary, and the press—into alignment with his political agenda. That campaign has included calls to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, retaliation against law firms representing his critics, and suggestions to impeach judges over rulings on immigration he opposed.
Judge Burroughs, appointed by former President Barack Obama, granted a temporary restraining order, effectively pausing the policy while the case proceeds.
