In a significant legal win for international education, a U.S. federal judge has indefinitely blocked former President Donald Trump’s controversial restrictions on the admission of foreign students at Harvard University.
According to AFP, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued the order allowing foreign students to continue their studies at Harvard while the university’s legal battle against the federal government plays out.
The Trump administration had sought to reduce federal funding for Harvard and implement policies designed to limit the enrollment of international students, citing vague claims of misconduct and ideological bias. Harvard responded by filing a lawsuit, arguing that these actions were unconstitutional and politically motivated.
“The Wall Street Journal and others don’t know what’s really going on at Harvard. We’re investigating massive irregularities,” Trump posted on Truth Social last Friday, claiming that a “historic” agreement with the university might be announced soon.
He added:
“We’re working closely with Harvard and may have a breakthrough deal in the coming days or next week. If successful, it will be astonishing — great for our country.”
However, Trump did not provide any specific details about the so-called agreement.
🚫 Crackdown on Foreign Students and Harvard’s Legal Stand
The Trump administration had tried to bar Harvard students from maintaining immigration status if courses were conducted online — a direct blow to foreign students during the pandemic. U.S. embassies were also reportedly instructed to deny visas to international applicants targeting Harvard.
In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies, labeling the crackdown as both illegal and unconstitutional.
Judge Burroughs had previously issued two temporary injunctions against the enforcement of these rules, and on Friday, she expanded those protections through a preliminary injunction.
According to court documents, Harvard argued that the Trump administration’s actions were a form of retaliation for the university’s rejection of federal control over its academic policies, curricula, and the ideological beliefs of its students and faculty.
🌍 International Students Are Vital
In the 2024–2025 academic year, 27% of Harvard's enrolled students were international, forming a vital component of the university’s community and revenue.
Additionally, the Trump administration reportedly slashed over $3.2 billion in federal funding and contracts, threatening to cut Harvard off from future financial support altogether.
Trump and his allies have long accused elite universities like Harvard of harboring liberal bias, anti-conservative sentiment, and even enabling unchecked antisemitism.
#HarvardUniversity #ForeignStudents #TrumpBanBlocked #InternationalEducation #USCourtRuling #StudentVisaNews #TruthSocial #TrumpVsHarvard #AcademicFreedom #ImmigrationPolicy #BreakingNews #GlobalEducation #TrumpEducationPolicy
