A federal judge on Monday extended a temporary restraining order blocking President Donald Trump’s attempt to bar international students from studying at Harvard University. The decision by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs allows the university to continue enrolling foreign students until at least June 23, as she considers whether to issue a longer-term injunction.
The restraining order was originally issued on June 5, just a day after Trump signed a presidential proclamation citing national security concerns and suspending foreign nationals from entering the U.S. to study at Harvard. Judge Burroughs, appointed by former President Barack Obama, indicated she needed more time to craft a comprehensive opinion and acknowledged the Justice Department faces an “uphill battle” in justifying the policy.
Nearly 6,800 international students roughly 27% of Harvard’s student population — are affected by the proclamation. Harvard attorney Ian Gershengorn argued the move was “devastating” to the university and retaliatory in nature, allegedly targeting Harvard for its resistance to political pressure from the Trump administration regarding governance and curriculum.
Justice Department attorney Tiberius Davis countered that Trump acted within his legal authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act, emphasizing concerns over Harvard’s acceptance of foreign funding, particularly from China, and the administration’s distrust of the university’s handling of campus unrest involving international students.
Tensions escalated following Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s revocation of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification on May 22. That action was swiftly blocked by Judge Burroughs, who signaled her intention to issue a broad injunction to preserve the university’s operations.
Trump’s proclamation also directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider revoking visas of currently enrolled international students, a move Harvard described as a direct threat to academic freedom and international collaboration.
Amid rising protests over the Gaza conflict and accusations of antisemitism on campuses, including Harvard’s, the administration’s actions have been framed as part of a broader campaign against elite institutions. Harvard has responded with two lawsuits seeking to reverse funding freezes and protect its ability to host international scholars.
Judge Burroughs’ upcoming ruling may set a pivotal precedent for university autonomy and the rights of international students in the United States.
