Court instructs Harvard to continue restraining Trump's prohibition against international students
The Trump Administration's Crusade Against Harvard International Students: Where Things Stand Now
Let's dive into the sizzling hot legal battle between Harvard University and the Trump administration over foreign students entering the United States. Here's the lowdown:
Past Actions
- DHS Revocation: In a bold move, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on May 22, 2025, that it was revoking Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, potentially barring the Ivy League university from hosting international students.[1][3]
Harvard's Countermove
Harvard, in response, fired back with a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of violating administrative procedures and breaching the First Amendment and Due Process Clause.[3]
Current Events
- Temporary Restraining Order (TRO): Federal Judge Allison D. Burroughs stepped in with a TRO, blocking the revocation of Harvard's SEVP certification and stopping the government from implementing the policy.[3]
- Extension of TRO: The TRO was recently extended until June 23, 2025, during a hearing.[1][2]
- Preliminary Injunction Hearing: The court is mulling over a preliminary injunction to create a long-term block on the restrictions. However, there's a bit of a disagreement between Harvard and the government on the scope of such an injunction.[2]
- Additional Actions: Despite the TRO, the Trump administration took additional measures, issuing a 30-day notice of intent to withdraw Harvard's SEVP certification and a proclamation banning international students from entering the U.S. on Harvard-sponsored visas.[1][2] Judge Burroughs also granted a TRO on this proclamation.[2]
The Road Ahead
- Upcoming Decision: Judge Burroughs is expected to make a decision on whether to grant a preliminary injunction within a week. This judgment will carry significant weight in determining the future of international students at Harvard.[1]
Stay tuned for more updates on this heated legal showdown!
[1] Reuters. (2025). US state dept resumes processing Harvard student visas after judge's ruling. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-state-dept-resumes-processing-harvard-student-visas-after-judges-ruling-2025-06-18/
[2] Clarke, E. (2025). Anxious Harvard-bound Singaporeans press ahead with plans, even as some still do not have visas. The Straits Times. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/world/us-politics/anxious-harvard-bound-singaporeans-press-ahead-with-plans-even-as-some-still-do
[3] Thomas, N. (2025). Court forestalls Harvard immigration crackdown by Trump administration. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2025/05/26/court-forestalls-harvard-immigration-crackdown-trump-administration
- In the midst of the heated legal battle over foreign students entering the United States, the importance of education-and-self-development might come under question as part of the general-news, with politics playing a significant role in shaping the outcome for international students at Harvard.
- The sizzling courtroom drama, which continues with a preliminary injunction hearing, could potentially impact crime-and-justice in the future by setting precedents for the rights of students and universities in the US.
