U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs has signaled plans to issue a preliminary injunction to block the Trump administration’s attempt to strip Harvard University of its ability to enroll international students.
The decision comes just days after a temporary order was granted to pause the move.
As the legal proceedings unfolded, Harvard’s 374th commencement ceremony took place just five miles away, with University President Alan Garber welcoming students from around the globe — a gesture that underscored the significance of the moment.
Over a quarter of Harvard’s student body is international, including nearly 60% of graduate students at the Kennedy School.
The Trump administration has mounted a multifaceted assault on the Ivy League institution, freezing billions in federal funding, threatening its tax-exempt status, and investigating alleged discrimination against white, Asian, male, and straight applicants.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed the university was linked to antisemitism and foreign influence from China — accusations Harvard denies.
The Department of Homeland Security initially ordered immediate revocation of the school’s visa certification but later backtracked, offering a 30-day window for Harvard to respond.
Despite this, Judge Burroughs expressed skepticism over the administration’s motives and compliance with the court’s temporary order, citing reports of revoked student visas.
She argued a broader injunction is necessary to protect students during the ongoing legal battle.
Harvard maintains the administration’s actions amount to retaliation for resisting ideological control over its curriculum and governance.
The university is also pursuing a separate lawsuit challenging the loss of nearly $3 billion in research funding.
