Federal Judge Halts Trump Administration’s Attempt to Ban International Students at Harvard

A U.S. federal judge has delivered a significant ruling in favour of Harvard University, blocking an attempt by the Trump administration to bar the institution from admitting international students.

The preliminary injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs on Friday, June 20, 2025, ensures that Harvard can continue to welcome students from across the globe while the ongoing legal case is decided. The decision represents a major win for the Ivy League institution in its broader legal battle with the White House.

This legal dispute is part of a series of measures by the Trump administration that many in academia have criticised as restrictive and damaging to international education and U.S. global academic competitiveness. Harvard, a symbol of academic excellence, has been at the forefront of resisting these policies, defending the role of international students in enriching academic discourse and innovation.

Judge Burroughs’ ruling not only safeguards the status of foreign students at Harvard but also sets a precedent for other higher institutions in the United States concerned about the implications of federal overreach on their admissions autonomy and global engagement.

Observers say the court’s decision is a vital affirmation of the right of institutions to determine the composition of their student body—especially as American universities continue to rely on international talent for research, diversity, and cultural exchange.

This development holds particular relevance for African students and other aspiring international scholars, reaffirming that the United States remains a viable academic destination amidst shifting political tides.

As the case continues to unfold, education stakeholders across the world are watching closely, hopeful that academic freedom and international collaboration remain protected at one of the world’s leading universities.