News Round Up 5/27 – 6/2/2025 Part 3

The Supreme Court’s earlier decision this month to allow the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 350,000 Venezuelans, also pending appeal, indicates a pattern of deference to the administration’s immigration crackdowns.
A federal judge’s temporary block on May 29, 2025, of another Trump policy to withhold protections from migrants renewing applications under Biden-era programs highlights ongoing judicial pushback.

A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s attempt to block Harvard University from enrolling international students, a move the university called unconstitutional retaliation. The ruling, issued on May 30, 2025, protects over 7,000 visa holders while the lawsuit progresses.

On May 30, 2025, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction against a Trump administration policy targeting Harvard’s international student enrollment. The policy, announced as part of broader immigration restrictions, sought to prevent the university from admitting new international students, citing alleged non-compliance with federal immigration priorities. Harvard sued, arguing the ban violated First Amendment rights and was a punitive response to the university’s resistance to White House pressure. The court’s ruling pauses the ban, ensuring that over 7,000 visa holders—nearly a quarter of Harvard’s student body—can continue their studies for now.

First Amendment Argument: Harvard’s lawsuit claims the ban is retaliatory, targeting the university for its public criticism of Trump’s immigration policies. The judge found sufficient grounds to pause the policy pending further review.

Broad Implications: The case could set a precedent for other universities facing similar restrictions, as the administration has signaled plans to scrutinize institutions with large international student populations.

Temporary Relief: The injunction is not permanent, and the administration is expected to appeal, potentially escalating the case to higher courts.