The preliminary injunction halts the May 22 revocation of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification until United States District Judge Allison D.Burroughs reaches a decision in the University’s lawsuit. Judge Burroughs has directed the federal government to issue guidance to consular and customs officers instructing them to disregard the revocation and to document thier compliance within 72 hours.

While the judge granted the injunction, she declined to include several provisions requested by Harvard. She did not block the government from imposing a “categorical restriction” on Harvard’s ability to host students, instructors, and researchers on F and J visas, which would have stopped Trump’s June 4 entry ban. A temporary restraining order blocking the entry ban remains in effect until Monday.Additionally, she did not impose a 30-day pause on the Trump administration’s second attempt to revoke harvard’s SEVP certification, an effort that began on May 28.

“the injunction allows Harvard to continue enrolling international students and scholars while the case moves forward,” a University spokesperson stated. Following Judge Burroughs’ order, the Harvard International Office communicated to current international students that Harvard “strongly opposes any effort to withdraw the University’s certification.” Regarding Trump’s June 4 proclamation, the HIO added that “we expect the judge to issue a more enduring decision in the coming days.”

Judge Burroughs also did not require the Trump administration to provide a copy of the guidance issued to consulates, embassies, and ports of entry, a provision Harvard sought to reassure international students and ensure the government’s compliance with the court’s order.

International students had previously encountered obstacles at consulates, embassies, and airports due to federal officers following outdated guidance or disregarding Judge burroughs’ orders. Following Trump’s June 4 proclamation, the State Department initially instructed consular staff to deny visas to Harvard students before rescinding the directive after Burroughs blocked the proclamation the next day.These cables were made public through leaks to the Washington post, revealing that at least two students were denied papers despite Burroughs’ order.

“Given the government’s pattern of behavior thus far and the chaos it has inflicted, this surety is more than warranted,” Harvard wrote in its request for the provision.

Instead, the injunction requires the government to file a “status report” detailing its compliance with the order within three days.

Background of the Dispute

The legal conflict between Harvard and federal agencies, including the State Department, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security, began when the DHS requested extensive records on international students from Harvard, including their participation in protests. Harvard partially complied,providing all documents required by law. However, the DHS deemed the response insufficient and revoked Harvard’s SEVP status on May 22. Harvard sued the following day,and Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order within hours.

“allows Harvard to continue enrolling international students and scholars while the case moves forward”

On May 28, the DHS initiated a second attempt to revoke Harvard’s SEVP status, providing 30 days’ notice. This action was seemingly aimed at addressing Harvard’s arguments that the initial revocation,which took effect immediately without allowing for appeal,violated procedural requirements.

With Judge Burroughs declining to pause the 30-day notice period, Harvard will likely need to wait until the revocation takes effect at the end of June before seeking a second block.