A U.S. district judge blocked the Trump administration’s move to revoke Harvard University’s approval to enroll international students on Friday. Judge Allison Burroughs, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, issued a temporary restraining order. This legal order prevents the government from enforcing the policy while the court case continues.

Harvard Challenges the Government in Court

Earlier, Harvard filed a lawsuit in federal court in Boston. The university called the move a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law. Harvard also warned that the policy would harm both the university and over 7,000 international students.

In the lawsuit, Harvard wrote, “With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission.”

It added, “Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.”

Part of a Broader Political Agenda

This attempt to strip Harvard’s rights was not an isolated move. It was part of former President Donald Trump’s wider campaign to pressure institutions that disagreed with his views.

For instance, Trump targeted foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests. He also criticized law firms whose lawyers opposed his administration and even suggested impeaching judges who ruled against him.

Harvard and Others Push Back

Harvard has opposed the Trump administration in the past. The university once sued the federal government to recover nearly $3 billion in grant money that was withheld. Similarly, law firms like WilmerHale and Susman Godfrey also filed lawsuits against federal actions they believed were unlawful.

White House Criticizes Lawsuit

Despite Harvard’s legal efforts, the White House strongly criticized the lawsuit.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said, “If only Harvard cared this much about ending the scourge of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators on their campus they wouldn’t be in this situation to begin with.”

She added, “Harvard should spend their time and resources on creating a safe campus environment instead of filing frivolous lawsuits.”

Homeland Security Announces the Policy

Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem officially announced the policy. She said the government would cancel Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program starting in the 2025–2026 academic year.

Other Universities Respond Differently

While Harvard resisted the pressure, other schools complied.

For example, Columbia University agreed to revise its disciplinary policies and Middle East courses. This came after Trump threatened to withhold $400 million in funding unless the university took action against antisemitism.

Likewise, several law firms, such as Paul, Weiss and Skadden Arps, agreed to offer free legal help for causes supported by Trump.

Serious Allegations from the Government

Additionally, Noem sent a letter to Harvard explaining the reasons for the decision. She accused the university of allowing a hostile environment for Jewish students and failing to clearly reject antisemitism.

Noem went further, saying Harvard was “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.”

She demanded that Harvard submit detailed records within 72 hours. This included video and audio footage of protest activity involving international students over the past five years.

Harvard Rejects Government Claims

Harvard rejected the accusations strongly. In its lawsuit, the university said, “Homeland Security’s justification is the quintessence of arbitrariness.”