Boston, Massachusetts — In a significant win for international education, a U.S. federal judge on Thursday extended a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration’s policy attempting to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students.
The temporary restraining order (TRO) will remain in place while both parties submit proposed orders for consideration, according to court documents from the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Judge Allison Burroughs held a hearing on the case Thursday morning.
On May 22, the Department of Homeland Security announced the revocation of Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. This action would have effectively barred the university from enrolling international students.
Harvard University responded swiftly by filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration on May 23. That same day, Judge Burroughs issued the TRO, requiring that the status quo be maintained until a hearing could be held.
Before Thursday’s hearing, the U.S. Department of Justice submitted a notice to the court indicating that the Trump administration would give Harvard 30 days to contest the policy change.
This move marks a shift in the administration’s previously hardline stance following judicial intervention. However, President Trump continued to exert pressure on Harvard. On Wednesday, he stated that the proportion of foreign students at Harvard should be limited to around 15 percent and reiterated his demand for the university to provide a list of its international students.
According to data from Harvard University, as of the fall semester of 2023, international students accounted for more than 27 percent of the total student population. The university currently enrolls nearly 6,800 international students and scholars from over 140 countries and regions, most of whom are pursuing graduate programs.
The revocation of Harvard’s ability to enroll international students is one of the latest efforts by the Trump administration to pressure the university. Previously, Harvard had billions of dollars in funds frozen after it refused government demands for significant reforms to its governance structure, hiring practices, and admissions policies.
The administration also threatened to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status and launched multiple investigations into the institution.
Since returning to the White House, President Trump has targeted several U.S. universities, warning that failure to adjust their policies could result in funding cuts. Key demands from the administration include eradicating anti-Semitism on campuses and eliminating diversity initiatives that favor minority groups.
Many in the United States believe that the Trump administration is focusing on institutions like Harvard because they are viewed as strongholds of liberal or Democratic support.
