Key Takeaways
• President Trump suspended new foreign-student enrollment at Harvard for at least six months starting June 4, 2025.
• Harvard hosts over 6,793 international students from 147 countries, representing 27.2% of its 2024-25 student body.
• A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the enforcement of the proclamation as legal battles proceed.
On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation that sent shockwaves through the academic and immigration communities: all new foreign-student enrollment at Harvard University would be halted for at least six months, with the possibility of extension. This move, which also subjects current international students to extra scrutiny and possible visa revocation, has sparked immediate legal action, widespread concern among students, and intense debate about the future of international education in the United States 🇺🇸.
What Happened and Why It Matters
President Trump’s order blocks new international students and exchange visitors from entering the United States 🇺🇸 to begin studies or research at Harvard University. The proclamation also directs the State Department to review and possibly revoke existing visas for current Harvard international students on a case-by-case basis. The suspension is set for six months but can be extended.
Harvard responded within 24 hours, filing an amended complaint in its ongoing lawsuit against the federal government. The university called the proclamation “part of a concerted and escalating campaign of retaliation by the government” and asked the court for an emergency order to stop the policy from taking effect.
Late on June 5, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order. This order blocks the government from enforcing President Trump’s proclamation for now, giving Harvard and its international students a brief but important reprieve.
Who Is Affected?
The impact of this proclamation is immediate and far-reaching. Harvard University currently hosts more than 6,793 international students, making up 27.2% of its total student body of 24,974 for the 2024-25 academic year. These students come from 147 different countries. When including international scholars and researchers, the number surpasses 10,000.
Harvard sponsors more than 7,000 people on a mix of F-1 (student) and J-1 (exchange visitor) visas. These are the main visa types for international students and scholars in the United States 🇺🇸. You can find more information about these visa categories on the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program page.
The effect is not uniform across Harvard’s schools:
– At the Harvard Kennedy School, nearly half of students (49%) are on F-1 visas.
– At Harvard Business School, about one-third of students are from abroad.
– At Harvard Law School, 94% of the master’s program in comparative law consists of international students.
This means the proclamation could disrupt the academic and professional plans of thousands of people, as well as the research and teaching missions of Harvard University.
The Legal Battle: Harvard vs. Trump Administration
The legal fight between Harvard and the Trump administration has been building for months. In April 2025, Harvard refused to change its admissions and disciplinary policies as demanded by the White House, arguing that these changes would violate free speech rights. The White House responded by blocking over $2 billion in federal grants to the university.
In early May, President Trump announced plans to cancel Harvard’s tax-exempt status and suggested redistributing $3 billion in university grants to trade schools. Later that month, the administration tried to remove Harvard from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is essential for hosting international students. Harvard sued the Department of Homeland Security, and Judge Burroughs quickly issued a temporary injunction to protect the university’s SEVP status.
Just days before the June 4 proclamation, the State Department announced tougher screening for visa applicants coming to Harvard. According to a Politico report, the White House had also gathered officials from nearly a dozen agencies to discuss more ways to pressure Harvard.
The Administration’s Justifications
The Trump administration has given several reasons for targeting Harvard University:
– Failure to comply with Department of Homeland Security requests for information about criminal and disciplinary activity involving international students.
– Concerns about campus antisemitism and Harvard’s handling of related incidents.
– Support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies at Harvard, which the administration claims are problematic.
– Allegations of rising campus crime rates.
– Claims that Harvard is “no longer a trustworthy steward of international student and exchange visitor programs.”
In the proclamation, President Trump wrote that “Harvard’s conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers.” Attorney General Pam Bondi added, “Admission to the United States to study at an ‘elite’ American university is a privilege, not a right.”
Harvard’s Response and Legal Arguments
Harvard has pushed back strongly. University spokesperson Jason A. Newton called the proclamation “yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard’s First Amendment rights.” Harvard’s legal team argues that President Trump is not suspending entry for a general “class of aliens,” as the law allows, but is instead targeting a single institution. The complaint points out that “nonimmigrants may enter the country unabated, as long as they do not attend Harvard.”
Harvard’s President Alan M. Garber sent a letter to the university community promising that contingency plans are being developed to help international students and scholars continue their work at Harvard this summer and through the coming academic year. The Harvard International Office is reaching out directly to affected students and scholars to provide guidance.
What Does This Mean for International Students?
For students who have been admitted to Harvard but have not yet entered the United States 🇺🇸, the proclamation would bar them from coming to campus. For current students, the situation is less clear. The State Department has been told to review and possibly revoke existing visas for current Harvard students on a case-by-case basis. This means some students could lose their legal status and have to leave the country or transfer to another institution.
If the proclamation is enforced after the temporary restraining order is lifted, affected students may need to:
– Transfer to another U.S. university to keep their visa status.
– Return to their home country and continue studies remotely, if possible.
– Seek legal help to challenge visa revocations or denials.
The uncertainty is causing stress and confusion for thousands of students and their families. Many are unsure if they will be able to start or continue their studies, or if they will be forced to leave the country on short notice.
The Broader Impact on U.S. Higher Education
Harvard University is not just any school. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States 🇺🇸, and it attracts students and scholars from all over the world. International students bring diverse perspectives, contribute to research, and help fund university programs through tuition and fees.
Blocking foreign-student enrollment at Harvard could have ripple effects across the entire U.S. higher education system. Other universities may worry that they could be targeted next. International students may decide to study in other countries that seem more welcoming, such as Canada 🇨🇦, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, or Australia 🇦🇺.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the United States 🇺🇸 has long been a top destination for international students, but recent policy changes and political tensions have already led to a decline in new enrollments. This latest move could accelerate that trend, with long-term consequences for American universities and the broader economy.
Legal Authority and Challenges
The Trump administration’s legal justification for the proclamation is based on a section of U.S. law that allows the president to block entry of “any class of aliens” whose presence would be “detrimental to the interests of the United States.” This authority has been used before, most notably in the 2017 travel ban.
However, Harvard’s lawyers argue that the law does not allow the president to target a single institution. They say the proclamation is an unlawful “vendetta” against Harvard and violates the university’s rights.
Judge Burroughs’ temporary restraining order is only a first step. The case could go all the way to the Supreme Court. Even if Harvard wins temporary blocks at lower court levels, the administration may continue to find new ways to pressure the university.
What Happens Next?
The situation is still developing. Judge Burroughs has said she plans to issue a preliminary injunction that would prevent the Trump administration from taking action against Harvard while the lawsuit continues. However, the administration has made it clear that it expects Harvard to change its policies by August 2025, especially in how it recruits, screens, and admits international students.
If the proclamation is upheld, the suspension of new foreign-student enrollment at Harvard could last well beyond six months. The university is preparing for a long legal fight and is working on contingency plans to support its international students and scholars.
Practical Steps for Affected Students
If you are a current or prospective international student at Harvard, here are some steps you can take:
– Stay in close contact with the Harvard International Office for updates and guidance.
– Monitor your visa status and be aware of any communications from the State Department.
– Consult with an immigration attorney if you receive notice of visa revocation or denial.
– Consider backup plans, such as transferring to another institution or studying remotely if possible.
– Keep documentation of your academic and immigration status in case you need to appeal a decision.
For more information about student and exchange visitor visas, visit the U.S. Department of State’s official website.
Implications for Stakeholders
International Students and Scholars: The most direct impact is on students and scholars who planned to study or work at Harvard. Their academic and professional futures are now uncertain, and they may face sudden changes in their visa status.
Harvard University: The university faces the loss of a large part of its student body, potential damage to its reputation, and the challenge of supporting affected students and staff.
Other U.S. Universities: There is concern that similar actions could be taken against other institutions, especially those that resist federal policy demands.
U.S. Economy and Society: International students contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. They also bring cultural diversity and help build global connections. A decline in foreign-student enrollment could have long-term negative effects.
Government and Policy Makers: The Trump administration’s actions reflect a broader debate about immigration, national security, and the role of higher education. The outcome of this legal battle could set important precedents for future policy decisions.
Conclusion: What to Watch For
The conflict between President Trump and Harvard University over foreign-student enrollment is about much more than one school. It raises big questions about the future of international education, the rights of universities, and the role of the United States 🇺🇸 as a destination for the world’s best and brightest.
As the legal process continues, students, universities, and policymakers will be watching closely. The next steps will depend on court decisions, possible changes in university policies, and the willingness of the administration to negotiate or escalate further.
For now, the temporary restraining order gives Harvard’s international students a brief period of stability. But with the situation changing rapidly, it is important for all affected parties to stay informed, seek legal advice when needed, and prepare for a range of possible outcomes.
If you are an international student or scholar facing uncertainty, reach out to your university’s international office and check official government resources regularly. The coming months will be critical in shaping the future of foreign-student enrollment at Harvard University and beyond.
Learn Today
Proclamation → An official public or presidential announcement that enforces a policy or law.
F-1 Visa → A nonimmigrant visa allowing foreign students to study full-time in the U.S.
J-1 Visa → Exchange visitor visa for educational and cultural exchange programs in the U.S.
Temporary Restraining Order → A court order that temporarily prevents enforcement of a policy or action.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program → A U.S. government program that manages international students and exchange visitors.
This Article in a Nutshell
President Trump halted new foreign student enrollment at Harvard University for six months amid allegations of security risks, sparking legal battles. Harvard hosts thousands of international students critical to its academic mission. A temporary court order currently blocks the policy, creating uncertainty for students and the U.S. education system’s future.
— By VisaVerge.com
