May 24 update: A federal judge halted the Trump administration’s abrupt move to revoke Harvard University’s ability to host international students, issuing a temporary restraining order just hours after the Ivy League institution sued the U.S. government.
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs in Massachusetts concluded that Harvard had demonstrated “immediate and irreparable harm” if the policy proceeded. The ruling sets the stage for a pivotal hearing next Tuesday to decide whether to impose a preliminary injunction, effectively freezing the government’s action until the lawsuit is resolved.
In its emergency motion, Harvard argued that the administration’s “arbitrary and unlawful” decision threatened to erase 25% of its student body. “Without international scholars, Harvard ceases to be Harvard,” the filing stated, framing the move as a politically motivated blow to academic freedom.
The legal clash erupted after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unexpectedly revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification on Thursday. The unprecedented action would have barred the university from enrolling new international students while forcing nearly 7,000 current scholars—including J-1 visa researchers—to transfer institutions or face deportation risks.
Harvard’s lawsuit names DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the State Department, alleging constitutional violations and “a transparent act of retaliation” against the university. Legal filings emphasized that administration officials, “including the President himself,” had overtly signaled punitive intent in recent public statements.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the policy, asserting that hosting foreign students is “a privilege, not a right,” while vowing to challenge the ruling. “This delay denies justice and undermines presidential authority,” she said. President Trump later doubled down, claiming Harvard “must change its ways” and hinting at broader crackdowns on academia.
Uncertainty Looms for Global Scholars
Harvard President Alan Garber condemned the administration’s “reckless endangerment of thousands of lives,” pledging to defend the university’s global community. Yet legal experts warn the reprieve may be temporary.
“Students should avoid international travel during litigation and prepare contingency plans,” advised Pierre Huguet, CEO of admissions consultancy H&C Education. “This legal battle could stretch for months, leaving visas perpetually in limbo.”
The controversy now casts a shadow over Harvard’s Thursday commencement ceremony—an event that last year saw protests over U.S. Gaza policy. This time, graduates are expected to direct their dissent at the White House.
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