A federal judge in Boston has granted a temporary injunction preventing the Trump administration from enforcing a ban on foreign student enrollment at Harvard University. This ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Harvard, which argued that the government's actions constituted unconstitutional retaliation for the institution's resistance to political pressures from the White House.
In its legal filing, Harvard emphasized that the government's withdrawal of enrollment for foreign students would have an “immediate and devastating effect,” impacting over 7,000 visa holders. Harvard’s lawsuit highlighted that international students play a crucial role in the university’s ecosystem, asserting that without them, "Harvard is not Harvard."
The case, presided over by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, seeks to halt any sanctions against Harvard while the lawsuit proceeds. The university expressed concern that the Trump administration's actions had already led to unprecedented chaos on campus just days before graduation. International students at Harvard, many of whom contribute significantly to teaching and research, found themselves in a difficult position, faced with potentially transferring or risking their legal status to remain in the United States.
At graduate schools, such as the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, the implications of the ban could be significant, as about half and one-third of their student bodies, respectively, are composed of international students. The action could also deter prospective students who had planned to enroll for upcoming summer and fall classes.
Harvard claimed that this situation disadvantages the university in its efforts to attract the world’s top talent. The university raised concerns that even if it regains the ability to host international students, future applicants might shy away due to fears of further government reprisals.
Harvard enrolls nearly 6,800 foreign students from over 100 countries. The Department of Homeland Security's announcement to cut off Harvard's ability to accept foreign students accused the institution of fostering an unsafe environment and alleged cooperation with the Chinese Communist Party. Specifically, accusations were made regarding the hosting and training of members from a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024.
In a proactive response, Harvard President Alan Garber stated that the university has implemented various governance changes over the past year and a half, including strategies to combat antisemitism, adding that Harvard would maintain its core legal principles in the face of potential retaliation.
Former Harvard president Lawrence Summers voiced his disapproval, indicating that the decision would have far-reaching consequences, including losing future leaders. He criticized the administration’s actions as “madness,” noting that some of the international students could be future prime ministers of countries that are now being treated as adversaries by the United States.
The government's scrutiny of Harvard stemmed from a request made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on April 16, seeking extensive information about foreign students that might imply involvement in protests or other activities deemed dangerous. Although Harvard claimed to have provided a multitude of data points in response, Noem’s follow-up indicated insufficient compliance, demanding further documentation within 72 hours.
Harvard's lawsuit contends that the government's actions violate the regulatory framework typically governing the cancellation of a school’s certification to participate in the Student Exchange and Visitor Program. Such removals are traditionally based on administrative grounds like failure to maintain accreditation or proper facilities.
As this legal battle unfolds, the implications for international enrollment at Harvard remain precarious, with the potential to affect not only current students but also the university's long-term standing in global education.
