Judge stops Trump's entry ban on Harvard students!

Judge stops Trump's entry ban on Harvard students!

On June 21, 2025, a US federal court again blocked entry bans for foreign students at Harvard University. Judge Allison Burroughs extended a previous injunction allowing foreign students to study at the prestigious university while the main proceedings are still pending. This decision is part of a protracted legal battle sparked by political tensions between the Trump administration and the university.

The interim decision is based on Harvard's showing that banning international students would cause "immediate and irreparable harm." The Trump administration previously sought to remove the university from an electronic student immigration registry and ordered U.S. embassies not to grant visas to international students at Harvard. As a result of these measures, billions in grants to Harvard have been frozen, which are seen as retaliation for granting the right to freedom of expression.

Legal dispute and political tensions

Harvard is defending itself against the government's accusations, which described the university as "anti-Semitic" and "left-wing extremist." President Donald Trump referred to pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. In its argument, Harvard said the entry restrictions were harmful to U.S. interests and violated university policies on equality and diversity.

Judge Burroughs found that the Trump administration's ongoing actions to pressure the university violated legal principles and were a threat to academic freedom. She also rejected claims that Harvard had not done enough to address anti-Semitism and criticized the administration for its lack of evidence. US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem also accused Harvard of creating an unsafe environment for Jewish students and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party.

Future outlook

The further legal battle between Harvard and the Trump administration remains to be seen. Trump himself has held out the prospect of a possible agreement with Harvard and indicated that a “deal” could be announced as early as next week. Until then, the interim injunction ensuring foreign students' access to the university remains in force, despite the ongoing political disputes.

Harvard has decided to take legal action against the entry restrictions and the associated threats. The outcome of this litigation could have far-reaching consequences for higher education institutions in the United States and the administration of foreign students in the country.

For more information about these developments, please visit the articles from vienna.at, [ZDF today].