Judge blocks Harvard foreign student ban.

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students. On May 29, 2025, Judge Allison Burroughs extended a restraining order she issued earlier, allowing Harvard to continue hosting foreign students while the legal case proceeds. The Department of Homeland Security had revoked Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), but the court’s decision halts that action for now .

The legal dispute intensified amid broader tensions between Harvard and the Trump administration. President Trump has criticized the university for its handling of campus protests and its perceived political stance, leading to significant funding cuts and threats to revoke its tax-exempt status . During Harvard’s commencement ceremony on May 29, President Alan Garber emphasized the importance of international students, receiving a standing ovation from graduates .

The case is being closely watched, as it could have implications for the autonomy of universities in the United States and the future of international student enrollment.

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