On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Trump administration revoked universities nationwide’s ability to enroll international students. This order has specifically targeted Harvard University, demanding that it change its hiring, admissions, and teaching practices. It has threatened to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status and freeze billions of dollars in government grants. The Trump administration has targeted international students and accused Harvard of not doing enough to combat antisemitism on campus. “The real threat to higher education comes when universities like Harvard allow students’ civil rights to be trampled,” said White House spokesperson Harrison Fields. This decision was part of a larger crackdown on international students by the administration, which began in March of 2025. The crackdown has reportedly affected over 4,700 international students since March, including the revocation of visas and termination of legal statuses. According to Trump Administration Ends Harvard’s Ability to Enroll International Students, over 6,700 international students were enrolled at Harvard last academic year, university data shows, making up 27% of its student body.
This decision could have drastic consequences for the universities impacted. Harvard University responded to this action: “We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University – and this nation – immeasurably.” Leo Gerdén, an international undergraduate student at Harvard, stated, “We came here because of what America stands for: freedom of speech, academic freedom, a vibrant intellectual community, and now Trump is threatening all those values. Without the international students, Harvard is simply not Harvard anymore.”
The legal battle quickly escalated. The case took a turn when U.S. District Judge Allison Burrough issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the administration’s order from taking effect. Judge Burrough gives Harvard temporary relief, allowing it to continue enrolling international students as the case proceeds. A hearing has been scheduled for June 16, 2025, to discuss a longer-term block on the Trump administration’s actions regarding international students. Until then, international students at Harvard continue their studies, although the long-term outlook remains unclear.
This case has caused protests to erupt around college campuses nationwide, with students and faculty calling for stronger protection of international students. According to the article, Harvard Protests Erupt as Trump Administration Moves to Cut Federal Ties and Freeze Visas, the protests and federal scrutiny have cast a shadow over this year’s Harvard graduation, as the university and its community brace for more challenges. As the case unfolds, all eyes are on the courts and how this outcome could reshape international education in the United States for years to come.
