.jpg)
Federal Judge Moves to Protect Harvard’s Right to Enroll International Students
In a major development for higher education and international student rights, a Boston federal judge announced plans to issue a preliminary injunction preventing the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University’s ability to enroll foreign exchange students.
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs made the statement during a May 29 court hearing, responding to the Department of Homeland Security’s controversial May 22 directive that immediately stripped Harvard of its authorization to participate in the federal student exchange program.
The DHS letter, sent directly to Harvard, claimed the university was "perpetuating an unsafe campus environment hostile to Jewish students, promoting pro-Hamas sentiments, and supporting discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies." The decision drew sharp criticism from academic, legal, and human rights communities.
Harvard University swiftly filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts federal court, arguing that the DHS action was unlawful and politically motivated. Judge Burroughs temporarily blocked the revocation, allowing Harvard to continue enrolling international students as the case proceeds.
As the legal battle continues, Harvard is seeking a long-term injunction against the federal government’s move. The Trump administration, in a late filing before the May 29 hearing, stated it would now give Harvard a 30-day period to contest its removal from the program — a partial reversal that came under pressure from mounting public and legal scrutiny.
This high-profile legal clash could have significant implications for international student programs, immigration policy, and academic freedom in the United States. Experts say the outcome may set a precedent for how political rhetoric influences educational policy.
