On June 6, 2025, the State Department directed consulate offices to resume processing students and exchange visitor visas from Harvard University. The directive cited a temporary restraining order from US District Judge Allison Burroughs, blocking President Trump from restricting Harvard’s foreign student entry.
Trump Administration & Harvard University
Following the announcement, Harvard asked Judge Burroughs to prevent the Trump administration from taking any additional steps that would alter the “status quo.” Harvard said it fears the administration may try to stop the university from enrolling international students “through creative re-labeling” and that “[t]he government has committed to continuing — indeed to intensifying — its retaliatory campaign.”
The Justice Department responded, claiming that the order Harvard is asking for is unnecessary and would unduly restrict the government’s ability to regulate foreign student visas.
What’s Next
- Judge Burroughs intends to issue a preliminary injunction that would allow international students to attend Harvard.
- Harvard and the DOJ agreed to jointly craft language for the judge’s order, but they are currently at an impasse.
- The Trump administration is rejecting the inclusion of Harvard’s request to ban any “categorical restrictions” that would affect foreign students and requiring 30 days’ notice if DHS plans to revoke Harvard’s certification to enroll foreign students.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.