Harvard Wins Extension of Court Order Against Trump Student Ban

• Jun 17, 2025

Harvard University has successfully secured an extension of a court order that blocks former President Donald Trump’s ban on international students.

The temporary order, which stops the federal government from enforcing the controversial policy, will remain in place as legal proceedings continue. The case revolves around a proclamation by Trump’s administration that aimed to restrict the entry of certain international students into the United States.

During a recent court session, the judge—who was appointed by former Democratic President Barack Obama—did not make a final decision on the matter. However, she expressed strong doubts about the legality and impact of Trump’s policy. In particular, she noted that the U.S. Department of Justice, which is defending the policy in court, would face an “uphill battle” in proving that Harvard would not suffer serious harm if the policy were allowed to take effect.

The university argued that implementing the policy would cause irreversible damage, especially to its international students who would be forced to leave the country or be denied entry. These students play a vital role in the academic and cultural life of the university, and Harvard maintains that removing them would significantly disrupt its operations.

The Department of Justice has defended the proclamation, claiming that it is necessary for national interests. However, the judge’s remarks suggest that the court is currently leaning toward Harvard’s position that the potential harm outweighs the benefits claimed by the government.

While the judge has not yet issued a final ruling, her decision to extend the restraining order signals that the court is taking Harvard’s concerns seriously. The case remains open, and both parties will continue to present their arguments in the coming weeks.

For now, international students at Harvard can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they are protected from immediate deportation or denial of entry while the legal process unfolds. The case is being closely watched as it could set a precedent for how future administrations handle immigration policies related to higher education.