Fact Check: Federal judge blocks Trump from revoking Harvard's international student hosting ability
What We Know
On May 22, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would revoke Harvard University's certification to host international students, which would have significant implications for the university's approximately 7,000 foreign students. This action was perceived as retaliation against Harvard for not complying with various demands from the Trump administration regarding campus policies and governance (source-1, source-2).
In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the DHS, arguing that the revocation was a violation of the First Amendment and an unlawful act of retaliation. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order that allowed Harvard to continue hosting international students while the case was being resolved (source-4, source-5).
This situation escalated as the Trump administration continued to challenge Harvard's policies and threatened its funding and tax-exempt status, amidst broader criticisms regarding the university's perceived liberal stance and handling of antisemitism (source-1, source-2).
Analysis
The claim that a federal judge blocked Trump from revoking Harvard's ability to host international students is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The actions taken by Judge Burroughs were in direct response to the DHS's announcement, which Harvard argued was retaliatory and unconstitutional. The judge's ruling is a temporary measure, preserving the status quo while the legal dispute unfolds (source-4, source-5).
The sources used in this fact-check are reputable news organizations, including the Washington Post and NPR, which have established editorial standards and fact-checking protocols. The information presented is consistent across multiple outlets, indicating a high level of reliability. Furthermore, the legal context provided by the sources illustrates the complexity of the situation, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University.
Conclusion
The claim that a federal judge blocked Trump from revoking Harvard's international student hosting ability is True. The evidence indicates that U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order that allows Harvard to continue hosting international students while the legal case is decided. This action is a clear response to the DHS's controversial decision, which Harvard argues is retaliatory and unconstitutional.
