A federal judge in Boston has halted a move by former President Donald Trump to prevent Harvard University from enrolling foreign students, handing the institution a legal victory amid ongoing clashes with the White House over campus policies.

U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued the ruling on Friday, ensuring that Harvard can continue hosting international students while its legal challenge against the federal government progresses.

Although the decision preserves the university’s enrollment rights for now, Burroughs clarified that federal authorities retain the power to examine Harvard’s admissions practices involving foreign students, following legally established procedures.

The case unfolds amid a broader national debate on academic freedom and student activism. Harvard has become a flashpoint as pro-Palestinian students have demanded transparency regarding the university’s investments in companies tied to Israel and have called for divestment, accusing the institution of complicity in Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Trump and his supporters argue that Harvard and other universities facing similar protests are hostile to conservative voices and promote anti-Semitic views.

In May, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security after the agency abruptly revoked its certification to admit international students and issue supporting visa documents—sidestepping standard regulatory processes.

The revocation threatened to displace approximately 7,000 foreign students—nearly a quarter of Harvard’s enrollment—and bar incoming international students from attending. The university described the move as retaliatory, alleging that it stemmed from its refusal to comply with the administration’s demands concerning protests, admissions, and hiring practices.

Trump, who has previously slashed more than $3.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard, claimed his administration was engaged in talks with the institution.

“Many people have been asking what is going on with Harvard University and their largescale improprieties that we have been addressing,” he wrote on Truth Social. “We have been working closely with Harvard, and it is very possible that a Deal will be announced over the next week or so.”

He did not elaborate on the nature or terms of the proposed agreement.

Source: Al Jazeera

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