On June 5, 2025, a federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s order that aimed to prevent foreign nationals from studying or participating in exchange programs at Harvard University. This decision followed a legal battle between the Republican administration and the Ivy League school. The ruling, which temporarily stops the order from taking effect, was made by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, who argued that implementing Trump’s proclamation would cause “immediate and irreparable injury” before the matter could be further reviewed in court.
Temporary Block on Trump’s Proclamation
Judge Burroughs issued a two-page temporary restraining order in favor of Harvard, stopping President Trump’s proclamation from taking effect. The order, which would have barred foreign nationals from entering the United States to study at Harvard for six months, was argued by the judge to harm both the university and its international students. The ruling gives time for the courts to further assess the case before any action is taken.
Harvard’s Challenge Against Trump’s Proclamation
Harvard University quickly amended its lawsuit to challenge the new directive from Trump, claiming that it was a violation of Burroughs’ earlier decision. Harvard pointed out that foreign students make up a significant portion of its student body, and the ban would deny them their rights to pursue education and dreams in the U.S. Harvard emphasized that the university’s identity and operations rely heavily on its international student population.
Legal Battle Between Harvard and Trump Administration
The ruling on June 5 also continued a previous order issued on May 23, which blocked the Trump administration’s restrictions on international student enrollment. The administration had claimed that Harvard was a threat to national security and that foreign students at the university posed risks. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson called Harvard a “hotbed” of anti-American sentiment, which the school rejected.
Trump’s proclamation was justified by the administration on the grounds of national security, alleging that international students at Harvard could be a threat. The proclamation, however, was seen by Harvard as a violation of federal law, especially due to the lack of clear evidence to support the claims of national security risks.
Harvard’s Lawsuit Against the Trump Administration
Harvard’s legal filing argued that the Trump administration failed to provide valid justifications for its actions and did not present concrete evidence of national security concerns related to Harvard’s international students. The school also rejected claims that Harvard’s relationship with foreign countries, such as China, was problematic. Harvard criticized the administration for acting based on unsubstantiated claims.
Broader Dispute Between Harvard and the Trump Administration
This legal battle is part of a broader conflict between Harvard and the Trump administration. Over the last few months, the Trump administration has launched a series of attacks on the university, including freezing funding and proposing to revoke its tax-exempt status. These actions have led to multiple legal challenges, with Harvard arguing that the government is retaliating against the university for its refusal to adhere to certain demands regarding governance and curriculum control.
The administration also took action against Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which allows it to enroll foreign students. However, this decision was temporarily blocked by Judge Burroughs, and the administration shifted to a lengthier administrative process to challenge Harvard’s certification.
The ongoing legal conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard University has far-reaching implications for the U.S. education system. Harvard’s international students make up an essential part of the student body, and the university argues that any attempts to restrict their entry are unlawful and damaging. This case has drawn significant attention to the relationship between higher education institutions and government policy, especially in matters of national security and immigration.
