A federal court has once again halted the Trump administration’s aggressive attempt to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students, extending a legal standoff that underscores the deepening rift between the White House and one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs reportedly extended a temporary restraining order that she had originally issued the previous week, allowing Harvard to continue accepting foreign students while its lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proceeds. The extension marks a significant, though temporary, reprieve in a case that has drawn national attention to the future of international education in the U.S.
Harvard initiated legal action last Friday, accusing DHS of bypassing required administrative procedures when Secretary Kristi Noem abruptly revoked the school’s certification to host international students on its Cambridge campus. Noem’s decision was delivered without the standard 30-day notice period or explanation of statutory violations, which Harvard says is a clear violation of federal regulations.
RELATED STORIES
“Harvard will continue to take steps to protect the rights of our international students and scholars, members of our community who are vital to the University’s academic mission and community — and whose presence here benefits our country immeasurably,” a university spokesman said in a statement.
Watch a recent episode of The BreakDown podcast below and subscribe to our channel PanaGenius TV for latest episodes.
Just a day before the court hearing, the Trump administration escalated the conflict. A letter signed by acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement director Todd Lyons accused Harvard of regulatory violations, including failure to curb antisemitism and alleged coordination with foreign entities and warned the university it had 30 days to respond or risk permanent decertification.
The courtroom battle played out just blocks from Harvard Yard, where the university’s commencement ceremony highlighted the value of a globally diverse student body. The timing added symbolic weight to what has become a defining clash over academic independence, immigration, and executive power.
The conflict began in April, when Noem demanded Harvard turn over extensive records related to its international student population, including disciplinary files and reports of any “dangerous or violent activity.” Although the university says it cooperated, a May 22 letter from Noem stated Harvard’s response was insufficient, and immediately stripped the university of its ability to sponsor student visas.
In its complaint, Harvard argues the administration’s decision lacked legal grounding, failed to provide a clear path for appeal, and ignored required procedures. The university also emphasized that Noem’s letter cited no specific statutes or regulations that had been violated.
READ ALSO: Trump blasts Harvard for dragging feet on foreign student records
Despite Judge Burroughs’ restraining order, the administration’s actions have had immediate ripple effects. In court documents filed Wednesday, Harvard’s director of immigration services, Maureen Martin, described how the uncertainty had thrown the university’s international community into “profound fear, concern, and confusion.” She reported increased visa denials, prolonged consular delays, and secondary screenings for international students arriving in Boston.
“Countless international students had asked about transferring,” Martin noted, adding that the situation was jeopardizing the legal status of over 7,000 students, visiting scholars, and alumni on post-graduate training programs.
The consequences of the federal sanctions are potentially far-reaching. Several graduate programs, some of which rely heavily on international enrollment are now in jeopardy. Among those affected is Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, who just completed her first year in a Harvard graduate program.
Last week, following Judge Burroughs’ initial ruling, President Donald Trump lashed out on social media: “The best thing Harvard has going for it is that they have shopped around and found the absolute best Judge (for them!) — But have no fear, the Government will, in the end, WIN!”
The administration has leveled broader accusations against Harvard in recent months, claiming the institution has failed to protect Jewish students and acts as a breeding ground for liberal ideology. Officials have also demanded changes to the university’s governance, calling for reforms that align with Trump’s policy goals.
Harvard, for its part, has stood firm, rejecting what it views as politically motivated interference. In its lawsuits, the university contends that the administration’s actions constitute retaliation for resisting pressure to conform, posing a direct threat to academic freedom and the longstanding autonomy of U.S. higher education institutions.
