PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A federal judge extended a temporary order blocking the Trump administration’s revocation of Harvard University’s ability to enroll foreign students.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs, President Donald J. Trump, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Harvard University, and foreign students.

📍 Where & When: Massachusetts federal court; extension announced Thursday, May 29, coinciding with Harvard’s 347th graduation ceremony.

💬 Key Quote: “Harvard’s refusal to comply with SEVP oversight was the latest evidence that it disdains the American people and takes for granted U.S. taxpayer benefits,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated.

⚠️ Impact: If the revocation proceeds, foreign students at Harvard—roughly one-fourth of its student body—could lose their ability to stay in the U.S. unless they transfer schools.

IN FULL:

A Massachusetts federal judge on Thursday extended a temporary order preventing the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University‘s ability to enroll foreign students. The decision follows the administration’s move last week to block Harvard from participating in the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which allows the institution to import foreign students.

U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs said the temporary order will remain in place until it is replaced by a preliminary injunction, though no timeline for the injunction was discussed. The extension was issued on the same day as Harvard’s 347th graduation ceremony.

Previously, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had given the university 30 days to contest the revocation. According to a letter filed in court, Harvard must submit evidence, including misconduct records of foreign students and proof that it maintains a campus free from violence and anti-Semitism.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, sharing the letter on X (formerly Twitter), criticized Harvard, stating, “Harvard’s refusal to comply with SEVP oversight was the latest evidence that it disdains the American people and takes for granted U.S. taxpayer benefits.” She added, “We continue to reject Harvard’s repeated pattern of endangering its students and spreading American hate—it must change its ways in order to participate in American programs.”

If the Trump administration’s action is upheld, foreign students, who make up approximately 27 percent of Harvard’s student body, would lose their ability to remain in the United States unless they transfer to other institutions. Additionally, losing the ability to enroll foreign students will likely cost Harvard millions in revenue.

The revocation of Harvard’s SEVP certification is just the latest step in President Trump’s actions against the university after the Ivy League institution refused to comply with federal directives aimed at cracking down on anti-Semitic acts and protests on campus, and stopping racial discrimination against white and Asian applicants. Last month, the Trump administration revoked over $2 billion in research grants, prompting the university to sue.

President Trump recently indicated on Truth Social that he is considering reallocating $3 billion in Harvard’s grant money to trade schools.

This is a developing story…