Judge Blocks Trump’s Ban on International Harvard Students

A federal judge in Boston has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump’s directive banning international students from entering the U.S. to study at Harvard University. The court ruled the move would cause “immediate and irreparable injury” and barred it from taking effect while legal proceedings continue.

The decision came after Harvard amended its ongoing lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing the order violates previous court rulings and federal law. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, who had earlier restrained another Trump directive on Harvard’s international enrollment, issued this latest temporary restraining order.

Harvard contended that the six-month ban—citing national security concerns—was unjustified and discriminatory. The university emphasized in court filings that its identity and mission rely on the presence of a diverse international student body.

The Trump administration alleged Harvard posed a security risk due to “foreign ties and radicalism,” and threatened to revoke visas and funding. A White House spokesperson even labeled the university as fostering “anti-American and pro-terrorist” sentiments—claims Harvard has firmly denied.

The legal battle has escalated as the government also moved to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, later pausing that effort under judicial pressure. Still, Judge Burroughs signaled intent to issue a more lasting injunction to protect Harvard’s foreign students.

Harvard maintains that the administration’s actions are politically motivated and an attack on academic freedom. The case continues to unfold as the university defends its autonomy and the rights of thousands of international students.