Federal judge blocks Trump’s ban on Harvard international students

In the United States, a significant legal battle unfolded at Harvard University concerning the enrollment of international students. On June 16, 2025, U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs held a hearing to discuss the Trump administration's proclamation on foreign students' entry. This proclamation, issued on June 4, aimed to halt the admission of international students at the university, citing national security concerns and allegations of insufficient oversight by Harvard regarding its students' activities. In response to these allegations, Harvard University quickly filed a lawsuit to block the federal order, arguing that it was unconstitutional and a violation of the school's First Amendment rights. The judge previously granted a temporary restraining order against the proclamation. During the recent court session, Burroughs decided to extend this order while she reviewed the case and considered issuing a preliminary injunction to maintain the ban on the proclamation until the court could examine the merits of Harvard's lawsuit. At stake is the future of over 7,000 international students who currently attend Harvard. The judge had already indicated the importance of the matter by stating that the current temporary restraining order would remain in effect through June 23, allowing international students to continue their studies without interruption. The Trump administration has consistently targeted Harvard, asserting that the institution failed to protect students, particularly Jewish students, against rising antisemitism on its campus. The administration's actions appeared to represent a broader campaign against elite universities, emphasizing a commitment to national security. Harvard, for its part, described the administration's attacks as politically motivated retaliation against a school that had resisted federal attempts to control its governance and academic integrity. As the hearing concluded, attorneys for Harvard expressed concern about the uncertainty and fear faced by international students due to the government's actions. Many students shared their anxiety, fearing visa denials or issues at immigration points. The ongoing legal struggle represents a clash between the powers of the federal government and the rights of educational institutions, raising significant questions about academic freedom and the future of international education in the U.S.