US Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Administration's Foreign Student Ban At Harvard University

A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from revoking Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, in response to a lawsuit filed by the university on Friday (23 May), the Bar and Bench reported.

On 22 May 2025, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s certification to host international students under the F-1 and J-1 visa programs.

US District Judge Allison D Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order preventing DHS from enforcing the revocation.

Her decision came just a day after Harvard filed a 72-page complaint arguing the government’s actions were “unprecedented” and “retaliatory,” jeopardising the prospects of more than 7,000 international students.

“For purposes of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(b), the President and Fellows of Harvard College has made a sufficient showing that it has provided notice to Defendants... and that, unless its Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order is granted, it will sustain immediate and irreparable injury before there is an opportunity to hear from all parties,” Judge Burroughs was quoted as saying by the Bar and Bench.

The revocation followed Harvard’s refusal to implement federally demanded changes to its governance, hiring, admissions, and international student oversight.

Harvard’s complaint accuses the government of using its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification as leverage in a broader political campaign.

“With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body,” the university argued, warning that the decision “threatens to dismantle Harvard’s academic integrity and global standing.”

The legal battle follows months of tension, including a $2.2 billion freeze in federal funding and public attacks by President Trump.

Tensions between the US administration and the Ivy League university began shortly after Trump’s inauguration in January, steadily escalating in the months that followed.

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