A US federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University’s ability to enrol foreign students, halting a move widely seen as part of the White House’s attempt to bring academic institutions in line with President Donald Trump’s political agenda.

US District Judge Allison Burroughs issued the order, providing immediate but short-term relief to thousands of international students who faced possible displacement under the policy. Harvard had described the action as retaliation by the administration for its refusal to “surrender its academic independence.”

The ruling delays the enforcement of the decision for two weeks, with hearings scheduled for 27 and 29 May to determine further steps. In her brief statement, Burroughs—appointed by former President Barack Obama—said Harvard demonstrated it could suffer irreparable harm before the court could fully review the case.

Harvard had earlier on Friday filed a lawsuit in federal court in Boston, calling the decision to terminate its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification a “blatant violation” of the US Constitution and other federal laws. The university argued the measure would have an “immediate and devastating effect” on its operations and more than 7,000 international students.

“Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard,” the 389-year-old university said in its legal filing. International students currently account for around 27% of Harvard’s total enrolment.

The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, had announced the revocation of Harvard’s SEVP certification on Thursday, with the decision scheduled to take effect in the 2025–2026 academic year. The Justice Department and Homeland Security Department did not respond to requests for comment on the ruling.

The move against Harvard is part of a broader push by Trump to pressure institutions traditionally seen as politically independent—such as universities, courts, media outlets, and law firms—to conform to his policies. Recent actions have included efforts to deport foreign students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests, retaliate against law firms employing lawyers who have opposed him, and even suggest impeaching a judge over an unfavourable immigration ruling.

Harvard, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has resisted Trump’s pressure in the past. The university previously took legal action to recover approximately $3 billion in federal grant funding that had been frozen or cancelled by the administration.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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