A federal judge has temporarily blocked an executive order from President Donald Trump that would have barred Harvard University from enrolling international students. Judge Allison Burroughs issued the restraining order, citing the risk of “immediate and irreparable injury” to the university.
The decision followed an amended lawsuit filed by Harvard on Thursday, which accused the administration of retaliating against the school for exercising its First Amendment rights. The Trump administration defended the six-month ban as a national security measure and criticised Harvard for alleged antisemitism and “extensive entanglements” with foreign nations.
Harvard President Alan Garber said the university is preparing support plans for affected students.
This legal battle marks the latest flashpoint in ongoing tensions between Harvard and the federal government. In May, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revoked Harvard’s certification to host international students—a move also blocked in court. Foreign students currently make up 27% of Harvard’s population.