A Democratic judge suspended a measure by President Trump regarding Harvard.

On Friday, a federal judge in the United States, Allison Burroughs, temporarily blocked the Trump administration's decision to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students.

In a lawsuit filed the same day, Harvardincorrectly labeled the government's decision as a "flagrant violation" of the Constitution and federal laws, arguing that the measure was part of a broader effort to punish the university for defending its academic independence.

Harvard noted that more than 27% of its students are international and that their exclusion would have a "devastating" effect. The Trump administration could appeal the decision.

In an unprecedented decision, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the elimination of Harvard University's student visa program, due to repeated pro-terrorist conduct in student protests and the institution's refusal to provide requested information about international students.

The measure was announced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who accused Harvard of fostering violence, anti-Semitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party.

Harvard would not be able to enroll international students for the 2025-2026 academic year. Current foreign students must transfer to other universities or leave the country before the start of the next academic cycle, unless the measure is reversed.

Noem justified the decision as a direct response to Harvard's refusal to provide records of student conduct with visas, including images of protests and disciplinary records from the last five years.

Noem warned that the Trump administration is willing to impose severe consequences on universities that do not comply with federal regulations, stating that having foreign students on their campuses "is a privilege, not a right."

She also offered Harvard a 72-hour deadline to provide the required information if it wishes to regain its visa program certification.

Meanwhile, Harvard labeled the decision as "illegal" and argued that it seriously threatens its academic and research mission. In a statement, the university defended the value of its international community, composed of students and scholars from more than 140 countries, and stated it is working to provide support and guidance to those affected.

The Trump administration had already frozen nearly USD 3 billion in federal funds primarily intended for scientific research at Harvard, and has initiated investigations in several departments for their links to anti-Semitism and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.

Additionally, it is alleged that at least a dozen Harvard students have already lost their authorization to study in the United States due to their participation in protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The protests, mostly in support of Gaza and against the Israeli offensive following the October 7, 2023 attacks, have caused tensions on university campuses across the country.

The administration also accuses Harvard of ties with Chinese institutions connected to the Chinese military. According to the DHS, the university ignored multiple requests for information on the criminal backgrounds of international students. The lack of cooperation led to the cancellation of its visa program certification.

In another response to the measure, a federal judge in California, Jeffrey S. White, issued an injunction temporarily blocking the revocation of the legal status of Harvard's international students.

The ruling prevents immigration authorities from detaining or deporting these students while a pending lawsuit filed by more than twenty students whose visas had been canceled in April is solved.

In April, Noem had already withdrawn USD 2.7 million in research grants from Harvard and sent a letter to the university's director of immigration services, Maureen Martin, requesting information on the criminal history of students in the SEVP program. Harvard replied with what the DHS considered an "insufficient and unacceptable" response.

The government has also cited a 55% increase in crime on Harvard's campus between 2022 and 2023, including a 295% increase in aggravated assaults, many of them related to tensions between Jewish students and pro-Palestinian protesters.