US Judge blocks Trump’s ban on international students

By Paul Dada

A federal judge  in the United States of America has issued a temporary restraining order blocking President Donald Trump’s executive order that aiming to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students.

Judge Allison Burroughs cited the potential for “immediate and irreparable injury” to the university in her ruling.

The order was part of a broader conflict between Harvard and the Trump administration, with the administration claiming the university had failed to address antisemitism on campus and had “extensive entanglements” with foreign nations. Harvard argued that the ban was a retaliation against the institution for exercising its First Amendment rights.

Harvard President Alan Garber stated that the university was preparing contingency plans to support international students who might be affected. The university enrolled nearly 7,000 foreign students, making up 27% of its population for the 2024-2025 school year.

This isn’t the first time Harvard has clashed with the Trump administration over international students. In May, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revoked the certification allowing Harvard to host international students, but the decision was blocked by the courts.

The court’s decision allows Harvard to continue enrolling international students for now.

According to Harvard’s International Office, international students and scholars can continue their studies and research without interruption.