A U.S. court in Boston blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students, a significant win for the Ivy League institution.
Judge Allison Burroughs extended a temporary halt on the policy. As The New York Times reported, she promised a preliminary injunction to protect Harvard international students while the legal battle continues.
Burroughs’ decision followed Trump’s formal notice to strip Harvard of its ability to enrol foreign students, who comprise 27% of its student body. The administration gave Harvard 30 days to justify its position, alleging liberal bias and anti-Semitism. Burroughs indicated she would investigate potential “retaliatory motives” behind the Trump Harvard ban. Harvard’s lawyer, Ian Gershengorn, highlighted students’ fears, noting, “People are already transferring to other universities.”
Judge gives Harvard temporary win against Trump admin’s ongoing effort to undercut the university’s influence. I joined @jaketapper with details. pic.twitter.com/oMgnx3pA9w
— Paula Reid (@PaulaReidCNN) May 29, 2025Harvard’s Defiance and Graduation Celebration
The ruling coincided with Harvard’s graduation, where thousands in crimson gowns celebrated. President Alan Garber, avoiding direct mention of the Harvard Trump dispute, praised international students, earning cheers. Graduating student Uzma Farheen from India told AFP, “We stand united for truth, integrity, and inclusion.” The ceremony, featuring an honorary degree for Rita Moreno, underscored Harvard’s global community.
Trump’s campaign against elite universities, including Columbia, has led to visa revocations and funding threats. Harvard Law School’s resistance, led by Garber, contrasts with other institutions’ concessions. A law professor in court described students’ “purgatory,” while graduate Lorena Mejia from Colombia shared feelings of vulnerability amid the uncertainty surrounding international student visas.
Read: Trump Administration Revokes Harvard’s International Student Program
The U.S. court ruling safeguards Harvard’s diverse student body and challenges Trump’s education policies. As legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could shape the future of international education in the U.S.
