Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Ban on Harvard International Student Visas

Key Takeaways

• On June 6, 2025, a judge blocked Trump’s ban on new international Harvard students with a temporary restraining order.
• Trump’s proclamation targeted Harvard only, citing national security and alleged foreign entanglements without full cooperation.
• Harvard’s 27% international students remain unaffected for now, pending court hearings on the ban’s legality.

On June 6, 2025, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) that stopped President Trump’s attempt to block international students from entering the United States 🇺🇸 to attend Harvard University. This decision came just one day after President Trump signed a presidential proclamation that would have barred nearly all foreign students from coming to Harvard, citing national security concerns and claims that Harvard had not cooperated with federal information requests. The court’s intervention means that, for now, international students can continue to enter and study at Harvard while the legal battle continues.

What Happened: The Lead-Up to the Court’s Decision

On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation targeting only Harvard University. The order would have stopped all new international students from entering Harvard for at least six months, with a review after 90 days to decide if the ban should be extended. The proclamation also directed the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to consider revoking visas for current Harvard international students already in the United States 🇺🇸.

The administration justified the move by saying it was necessary for national security. Officials claimed that Harvard had “entanglements with foreign countries” and had not provided enough information about its foreign students. The government also began reviewing the social media accounts of visa applicants to Harvard, looking for signs of antisemitism and other so-called “national security” concerns.

Harvard University, led by President Alan M. Garber, quickly responded. The university called the action “illegal” and “retaliatory,” arguing that it was a direct attack on academic freedom and the rights of international students. Harvard filed an amended lawsuit, saying the proclamation was unconstitutional and meant to punish the university for past disagreements with the administration.

The Federal Judge’s Temporary Restraining Order

On June 6, 2025, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Trump administration’s proclamation. This TRO means that the government cannot enforce the ban while the legal case moves forward. The judge’s order allows international students to continue entering and studying at Harvard for now.

The TRO follows an earlier court order that blocked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from revoking Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. SEVP certification is essential for any U.S. university that wants to host international students. Without it, Harvard would not be able to enroll students from outside the United States 🇺🇸.

Key facts about the TRO:

• Issued: June 6, 2025
• Effect: Stops the Trump administration from enforcing the ban on Harvard’s international students
• Duration: Temporary, until the court decides on a preliminary injunction or the full case

Who Is Affected?

The proclamation, if enforced, would have had a major impact on Harvard’s student body and academic programs. International students make up about 27% of Harvard’s student population. These students come from all over the world to study, conduct research, and take part in Harvard’s global academic community.

If the ban had gone into effect:

• No new international students could enter Harvard for at least six months
• The government could review and possibly revoke visas for current international students at Harvard
• Many students would face uncertainty, with some considering transferring to other universities or withdrawing their applications
• Harvard’s research, teaching, and global partnerships would be disrupted

Because the TRO is now in place, these immediate effects have been avoided. International students can continue their studies and new students can still plan to come to Harvard, at least for now.

Why Did the Trump Administration Target Harvard?

President Trump’s proclamation is unusual because it targets only one university. In the past, similar presidential actions under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 212(f) have applied to entire countries or broad groups of people, not just a single school.

The administration said the move was needed for national security. Officials pointed to Harvard’s alleged “entanglements with foreign countries” and said the university had not provided enough information about its foreign students. They also claimed that some students might pose a risk to the United States 🇺🇸.

Critics, including Harvard and many in the higher education community, say the action is politically motivated. They argue that it is a form of retaliation against Harvard for past disagreements with the administration, including disputes over admissions policies and diversity initiatives.

Legal Arguments and the Role of the Federal Judge

Harvard’s lawsuit argues that the proclamation is both retaliatory and unconstitutional. The university says the order violates academic freedom and the rights of international students. Legal experts point out that while presidents have broad authority under INA 212(f) to bar entry of foreigners for national security reasons, using this power to single out one university is unprecedented.

Some legal scholars believe the order could be challenged as “arbitrary and capricious” under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This means the government’s action might be overturned if the court finds it was not based on reasonable grounds or was done in a way that is unfair.

Judge Burroughs’s TRO does not decide the full case but keeps things as they are while the court considers Harvard’s request for a preliminary injunction. The next steps will involve more hearings and possibly a full trial to decide whether the proclamation is legal.

Timeline of Key Events

Here is a step-by-step look at how the situation developed:

1. May 2025: The Department of Homeland Security tried to revoke Harvard’s SEVP certification, which would have stopped the university from enrolling international students. A federal court blocked this attempt.
2. June 4, 2025: President Trump signed the proclamation barring new international students from entering Harvard.
3. June 5, 2025: The proclamation was officially announced, and the administration began reviewing visa applicants’ social media accounts.
4. June 6, 2025: U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order, stopping the ban from taking effect.
5. Next Steps: The court will consider Harvard’s request for a preliminary injunction and eventually rule on the legality of the proclamation.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Harvard University

Harvard’s leadership has been outspoken in its opposition to the proclamation. President Alan M. Garber called the action “illegal” and “retaliatory.” The university has promised to protect its international students and fight for their right to study in the United States 🇺🇸.

Trump Administration

The administration insists the move is about national security. President Trump and his officials say Harvard has not cooperated with federal requests for information and that the university’s ties to foreign countries are a concern.

Legal Experts

Opinions among legal experts are mixed. Some say the president has wide authority under INA 212(f), especially when national security is cited. Others argue that targeting a single institution is unprecedented and could be struck down as arbitrary.

Members of Congress

Some lawmakers have strongly criticized the proclamation. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) called it “ridiculous” and “a thinly veiled revenge ploy.” Many in Congress see the move as an overreach and a threat to academic freedom.

Immigration Advocates and Higher Education Community

Advocates warn that the proclamation could have a chilling effect on the United States 🇺🇸 as a destination for international students. They say the uncertainty and fear created by the order could harm the country’s reputation and make it harder for universities to attract top talent from around the world.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

If the proclamation were enforced, it would have serious consequences for Harvard and its international students:

• Bar all new international students from entering Harvard for at least six months
• Allow for possible revocation of visas for current international students
• Create uncertainty and fear among students, leading some to transfer or withdraw
• Disrupt academic programs, research, and global partnerships

For now, the TRO means these effects have been avoided. But the situation remains uncertain, and students, faculty, and staff are watching closely to see what happens next.

Legal Background: INA 212(f) and SEVP Certification

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 212(f) gives the president the power to bar entry of foreigners if their presence is seen as harmful to the interests of the United States 🇺🇸. This power has been used before for broad travel bans, but never to target a single university.

SEVP certification is required for any U.S. school that wants to enroll international students. The Department of Homeland Security oversees this program. If a school loses its SEVP certification, it cannot issue the documents students need to apply for visas.

You can read more about SEVP certification and requirements on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official website.

What Happens Next?

The TRO issued by Judge Burroughs is only temporary. The court will soon decide whether to issue a preliminary injunction, which would block the proclamation for a longer period. Eventually, the court will rule on whether the proclamation is legal.

If the court rules against the administration, the government is expected to appeal, possibly all the way to the Supreme Court. Until a final decision is made, international students and universities face ongoing uncertainty.

The proclamation itself called for a review after 90 days to decide if the ban should be extended. But with the TRO in place, this review is on hold.

Broader Impact on U.S. Higher Education

This case is being closely watched by universities across the United States 🇺🇸 and around the world. Many worry that targeting Harvard could set a precedent for similar actions against other schools. The uncertainty created by the proclamation and the legal fight could make the United States 🇺🇸 less attractive to international students.

International students are a vital part of U.S. higher education. They bring diverse perspectives, contribute to research, and help build global connections. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, actions that make it harder for international students to study in the United States 🇺🇸 could harm the country’s reputation and competitiveness.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Practical Guidance for International Students

If you are an international student at Harvard or planning to attend, here are some steps you can take:

• Stay informed: Follow updates from the Harvard International Office and official government sources.
• Check your visa status: Make sure your documents are current and keep copies of all paperwork.
• Contact your school: Reach out to Harvard’s international student office for support and guidance.
• Monitor court developments: The situation may change quickly, so stay alert for new rulings or policy changes.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s attempt to bar international students from Harvard has been put on hold by a federal judge’s temporary restraining order. The legal fight is far from over, and the outcome will have major consequences for Harvard, its students, and the future of international education in the United States 🇺🇸. For now, international students can continue their studies, but uncertainty remains as the courts consider the next steps in this high-profile case.

For official updates on visa policy and student entry requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Learn Today

Temporary Restraining Order → A court order that temporarily prevents enforcement of actions until a legal decision is made.
Presidential Proclamation → An official declaration by the president with legal or policy effects, like restricting student entry.
SEVP Certification → Certification that allows U.S. schools to enroll international students and issue required visa documents.
INA 212(f) → Section of U.S. immigration law giving the president authority to bar entry for national security.
Preliminary Injunction → A court order that temporarily blocks an action while a full legal case is decided.

This Article in a Nutshell

A federal judge halted President Trump’s order blocking international students from Harvard, protecting 27% of its student body. The legal fight centers on national security claims and academic freedom, with the court allowing students to continue studying in the U.S. while the case progresses.
— By VisaVerge.com