Judge Blocks Trump Ban on Harvard’s International Students

Harvard University has achieved a significant legal victory as a federal judge granted a second injunction against the Trump administration's effort to strip the university of its ability to host international students. This case underscores a growing confrontation over academic freedom, immigration policy, and the political pressures facing higher education. With nearly 7,000 international students caught in the crossfire, the ruling safeguards their right to remain; at least for now, while a larger legal and ideological battle continues to unfold.

In a major legal rebuke to the Trump administration, Harvard University has once again triumphed in court. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a second preliminary injunction blocking federal efforts to strip the school of its ability to host international students; a move that, if successful, would have impacted nearly 7,000 students from around the globe.

This decision marks another chapter in the long and bitter feud between Donald Trump and one of America’s most prestigious universities.

The Courtroom Clash

Judge Burroughs’ ruling came swiftly after the administration issued a revised legal justification for banning international students from enrolling at Harvard. The new order, issued on June 4, followed an earlier failed attempt that was also blocked in court.

Key developments:

Harvard filed a lawsuit in May after the Department of Homeland Security revoked its SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certification.
The action would have forced international students to leave the U.S. or face possible deportation.
The university argued the move was political retaliation for not complying with White House demands on campus governance.

Burroughs had already granted an initial injunction last Friday. The second one came quickly as the government tried a different legal angle.

Trump’s Harvard Campaign

Donald Trump’s administration has repeatedly targeted Harvard, accusing the university of harboring liberal bias and failing to crack down on antisemitism.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed,

“Harvard has shown large-scale improprieties… we are negotiating a solution. They appear to be committed to doing what is right.”

But behind the scenes, the pressure campaign has been aggressive:

Over $2.6 billion in research grants have been slashed.
Federal contracts were canceled.
Harvard’s tax-exempt status has been threatened.

The Stakes for International Students

International students make up roughly 25% of Harvard’s enrollment and their presence isn’t just academic. They help define Harvard’s identity as a global research institution.

Back in April:

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanded student records tied to “illegal or dangerous activity.”
Harvard submitted the documents, but Noem called the response inadequate.
The university was officially removed from the SEVP on May 22.

In its court filings, Harvard warned: “Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.”

What Harvard Says Now

President Alan Garber has walked a tightrope — committing to combat antisemitism while firmly defending academic freedom.

He said on Monday:

“We will not abandon our core, legally protected principles. Our community is stronger because of its global diversity.”

What’s Next?

While the injunction offers temporary relief, the legal battle is far from over. The case now moves toward a full hearing, where deeper questions about political motivation, immigration law, and academic independence will be tested.

Harvard may have won this round, but the stakes are national and the final ruling could reshape how U.S. universities engage with the world.