Trump’s Harvard Visa Crackdown Halted by Federal Judge Amid Controversy

In a courtroom clash that feels like a heavyweight bout, a federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to strip Harvard University of its ability to sponsor international student visas. U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs extended her restraining order on Thursday, preserving Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which allows universities to host foreign students on U.S. visas.

The Trump administration, led by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, accuses Harvard of fostering antisemitism, inciting violence, and cozying up to the Chinese Communist Party. They argue that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have broad authority to revoke Harvard’s SEVP status if its international students are found to be systematically violating immigration laws or supporting foreign adversaries. Harvard, however, calls this a retaliatory move against its academic independence, with President Alan Garber warning that the revocation could disrupt the lives of roughly 7,000 international students.

Judge Burroughs, an Obama appointee, isn’t ready to let the gavel fall just yet. She’s keeping the status quo while both sides negotiate a preliminary injunction, giving Harvard 30 days to defend its SEVP certification. Legal experts note that foreign students lack the First Amendment protections afforded to U.S. citizens, placing universities like Harvard at the mercy of federal discretion. But the administration must still follow proper procedure under the Administrative Procedure Act, and it’s unclear if their demands meet that threshold.

This legal standoff is uncharted territory. Scholars like Josh Blackman from South Texas College of Law point out that no president has ever attempted such a move, leaving the outcome murky. The accusations against Harvard—essentially labeling it a hub for unrest and foreign influence—are serious, but the lack of precedent makes this case a judicial tightrope walk. Meanwhile, the uncertainty could drive international students to seek safer academic havens elsewhere, creating a chilling effect on Harvard’s global appeal.