Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Attempt to Bar International Students from Harvard

CAMBRIDGE, MA — June 24, 2025 A federal judge has blocked former President Donald Trump's proclamation aimed at preventing Harvard University from enrolling new international students. U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs ruled that the administration's actions threatened core constitutional rights, including freedom of thought and expression.

The June 4 proclamation alleged that Harvard obstructed Department of Homeland Security investigations into potential illegal activities by foreign students. Harvard contended that the ban was part of a broader retaliation campaign in response to its refusal to comply with the administration’s demands concerning hiring, admissions, and governance reforms.

The federal government has also frozen over $2.6 billion in funding and threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status. The university reports that many international students are considering leaving, highlighting the broader impact of the administration’s actions.

This legal battle underscores the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and academic institutions over immigration policies and university autonomy. The court's decision allows Harvard to continue enrolling international students while litigation proceeds.

*Sources:
*https://www.axios.com/2025/06/24/trump-harvard-international-students