**Federal Judge Allows Harvard to Enroll International Students Amid Legal Battle**
A federal judge has issued a ruling permitting Harvard University to continue enrolling international students while it contests the Trump administration’s attempts to restrict this practice. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs granted Harvard a preliminary injunction that blocks the administration from enforcing a May 22 order that revoked the university’s ability to host foreign students. This injunction extends a previous temporary measure that was set to expire.
Harvard has become a focal point in President Donald Trump’s campaign to compel universities to address issues such as antisemitism, perceived political bias, and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The university is also engaged in a separate lawsuit regarding a $2.6 billion funding freeze, which Burroughs has temporarily halted.
During a hearing on May 29, Burroughs expressed her intention to issue a preliminary injunction to protect Harvard’s 6,800 international students, who represent 27% of the university’s total enrollment. The injunction broadly prevents the administration from taking further actions that could affect the university’s status. Burroughs instructed the government to ensure that all embassies, consulates, and border agents restore the status of every visa holder and applicant to what it would have been prior to the May 22 order, with a status update required within 72 hours.
Harvard contends that the Trump administration has infringed upon its free speech and procedural rights by attempting to dictate its decisions regarding faculty hiring, academic programs, and student admissions. This legal battle intensified after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the immediate revocation of Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, despite the university’s participation in a U.S. program for over 70 years.
Additionally, Trump issued a proclamation on June 4 that barred students and scholars on Harvard-sponsored visas from entering the U.S. Burroughs has separately paused this order, although it was not mentioned in her recent ruling. The Trump administration maintains that the president possesses broad authority over immigration and national security, asserting that judges cannot challenge his exercise of that power.
In summary, the ongoing legal dispute highlights the tensions between educational institutions and federal immigration policies, with significant implications for international students and university operations.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the significance of the federal judge’s ruling for Harvard?**
A: The ruling allows Harvard to continue enrolling international students, protecting their status while the university challenges the Trump administration’s restrictions.
