Harvard is suing the Trump administration over a policy that ends the university’s ability to host foreign students, claiming it violates constitutional rights. A federal judge has now temporarily paused the policy while the case proceeds in court.
Key Facts:
- Harvard filed a lawsuit after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) barred it from enrolling foreign students in 2025–2026.
- A federal judge granted Harvard a temporary restraining order to block enforcement of the policy while the case moves forward.
- Judge Allison Burroughs, appointed by President Obama in 2014, scheduled a hearing for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in Boston federal court.
- DHS cited Harvard’s refusal to provide records related to foreign students, including footage of protests and disciplinary actions.
- The Trump administration also froze $3 billion in federal funding and launched multiple investigations into Harvard.
The Rest of The Story:
The Department of Homeland Security attempted to strip Harvard of its ability to host foreign students, citing the school’s refusal to comply with records requests related to antisemitism, protest behavior, and campus safety.
After DHS found Harvard’s response insufficient, the department issued a 72-hour deadline, after which the university would be barred from enrolling or continuing to host international students.
Harvard responded by filing suit, arguing that the move was unconstitutional and retaliatory.
In a preliminary win for the university, Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order halting the policy until further legal proceedings.
She scheduled a hearing in federal court in Boston for Tuesday morning to weigh the arguments.
The case now heads into a critical phase as both sides prepare to argue whether the government overstepped its authority or if Harvard defied legitimate national security concerns.
Harvard is being held accountable for collaboration with the CCP, fostering violence, antisemitism, and pro-terrorist conduct from students on its campus. pic.twitter.com/bdJDTtJr8O
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 22, 2025
Commentary:
Harvard’s temporary legal win shouldn’t be confused with vindication.
This is a delay, not a defeat, for the Trump administration.
The fact remains: Harvard failed to hand over evidence of misconduct by foreign students, even when national security and campus safety were at stake.
Instead of addressing antisemitism and violence head-on, the university opted to deflect, litigate, and play the victim.
Federal funding and visa privileges come with responsibilities, and Harvard has shown it’s unwilling to meet them.
Judge Burroughs’ restraining order may keep the doors open for now, but it won’t shield the university from scrutiny.
Harvard’s insistence on shielding protestors—some of whom allegedly took part in illegal or threatening actions—raises serious concerns.
If they want to prioritize ideology over enforcement, that’s their choice—but they shouldn’t expect federal backing to go along with it.
President Trump and his administration are doing the right thing by demanding compliance.
Visa programs aren’t a right, and schools that ignore federal law shouldn’t get special treatment.
This case should remind other institutions: accountability is coming.
The Bottom Line:
A judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from enforcing its ban on Harvard’s student visa program.
The pause allows time for the legal process to unfold, with a hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
But the core issue remains: Harvard refused to cooperate with DHS efforts to address campus antisemitism and student misconduct.
Now, the courts will decide whether elite institutions must follow the same rules as everyone else.
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