Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Move to Bar International Students at Harvard

CAMBRIDGE, MA — May 30, 2025 A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, offering temporary relief amid escalating tensions between the university and the federal government. The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs, halts the administration's efforts to strip Harvard of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which is essential for admitting international students.

The legal battle began after the Department of Homeland Security moved to decertify Harvard, citing concerns over the university's refusal to comply with federal demands related to diversity initiatives and campus protests. Harvard, home to nearly 7,000 international students—more than a quarter of its student body—argued that such actions would not only harm the institution but also undermine the nation's research and educational leadership.

The injunction coincided with Harvard's 2025 commencement ceremony, where President Alan Garber received a standing ovation for affirming the university's commitment to global diversity. "To the class of 2025, from down the street, across the country and around the world," he stated, emphasizing the importance of international inclusion.

While the court's decision provides a temporary safeguard for international students, the broader conflict between Harvard and the Trump administration continues, with potential implications for higher education institutions nationwide.

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*https://www.npr.org/2025/05/29/nx-s1-5415714/harvard-judge-trump-international-students