A federal judge has extended an order blocking the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between the Ivy League institution and the White House. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, who initially issued a temporary restraining order on May 23, 2025, announced during a hearing on May 29, 2025, that she would extend this block through a preliminary injunction to maintain the status quo while the case progresses. This decision ensures that Harvard can continue enrolling international students, who make up roughly 27% of its student body, including nearly 6,800 students from over 100 countries.
The Trump administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) stemmed from allegations that the university failed to maintain a campus environment free from violence and antisemitism and did not fully comply with requests for disciplinary records of international students. On May 22, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, announced the immediate termination of Harvard’s SEVP certification, prompting Harvard to file a lawsuit the following day, calling the move unconstitutional retaliation for resisting White House demands to control its governance, curriculum, and faculty ideology. The lawsuit argued that the revocation violated Harvard’s First Amendment rights and due process, as DHS provided no opportunity for the university to defend itself.
Judge Burroughs’ extension of the order came after DHS backtracked, granting Harvard 30 days to contest the revocation through an administrative process. However, Burroughs emphasized the need for a court order to protect international students’ visa statuses, noting ongoing uncertainty and potential harm to Harvard’s academic mission. The university highlighted the “irreparable injury” it would face, including disruptions to thousands of students and research programs, if the revocation were enforced. International students, who often pay full tuition, are critical to Harvard’s finances and academic diversity.
The Trump administration has defended its actions, with Noem asserting that enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right, and accusing Harvard of fostering an unsafe environment. President Trump has also suggested capping Harvard’s international student enrollment at 15% to prioritize American students, a stance critics argue contradicts merit-based admissions. Harvard President Alan Garber condemned the revocation as retaliatory, emphasizing the vital contributions of international students to the university and the U.S.
This ruling marks a temporary victory for Harvard but is part of a broader conflict, including a separate lawsuit over a $2.65 billion freeze in federal grants. The case could escalate to higher courts, potentially shaping the balance between government authority over visas and academic freedom. For now, the injunction provides relief to thousands of students, though the long-term outcome remains uncertain as legal proceedings continue.
(Word count: 496)[](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/judge-extends-order-blocking-trump-administration-revoking-harvards-ab-rcna209689)[](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/harvard-urge-judge-extend-block-trumps-effort-bar-foreign-students-2025-05-29/)[](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/29/trump-harvard-international-students)
