Washington DC, May 29: U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs has extended an order preventing the Trump administration from halting Harvard University’s enrollment of foreign students, reinforcing a temporary block she issued last week.
The standoff began after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned Harvard to comply with new federal mandates or risk losing its authorisation to enroll international students. In response, Harvard sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), arguing the agency bypassed procedural norms and failed to provide the mandatory 30-day response window.
The conflict escalated on Thursday when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons sent a formal notice to Harvard outlining allegations, including fostering antisemitism, promoting campus violence and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party and gave the university 30 days to respond.
Harvard's director of immigration services, Maureen Martin, described the administration’s actions as fueling “profound fear, concern and confusion.” She noted that both domestic and international students were reconsidering their enrollment.
At the Harvard Graduation Ceremony, Harvard President Alan M. Garber got a standing ovation after he took a subtle shot at President Donald Trump. He said, "To the class of 2025, from down the street, across the country and around the world. AROUND THE WORLD! JUST AS IT SHOULD BE!”
Among those affected by Trump's ban are high-profile students like Cleo Carney, daughter of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, an heir to the throne enrolled at Harvard Kennedy School.
Earlier, President Trump criticised Judge Burroughs on social media, claiming Harvard “shopped around” for a favourable judge but vowed the government would ultimately “WIN.”
Meanwhile, the administration is pressuring Harvard to reform its governance, citing concerns over liberal bias and campus safety. The university has firmly rejected these demands, defending its autonomy in court.
