United States: District Court Issues Preliminary Injunction Against F/M/J Ban Directed at Incoming Harvard Students
June 24, 2025
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At a glance
- A Massachusetts federal district court has issued a preliminary injunction that continues to block implementation of a June 4 presidential proclamation banning visa issuance to and entry of foreign nationals seeking to begin attendance at Harvard University in F, M, or J status.
- The pause on implementation will remain in place while litigation challenging the ban continues.
- The government may appeal the preliminary injunction.
The issue
A Massachusetts federal district court has issued a preliminary injunction that continues to block the Trump administration from implementing a June 4 presidential proclamation that bans visa issuance to and entry of foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States in F, M, or J status to begin attending Harvard University. The court order follows a temporary restraining order that has been in place since June 5 blocking implementation of the proclamation. The preliminary injunction will remain in place as litigation challenging the legality of ban continues, though the government may appeal the injunction to a higher court.
Harvard is challenging the F/M/J ban in the same lawsuit as its challenge to the Trump Administration’s May 2025 attempt to deactivate the university’s SEVP certification. A temporary restraining order from the federal district court quickly blocked the SEVP action as well, and the court has also issued a preliminary injunction on that matter while litigation continues. The case challenging both Trump administration actions is President and Fellows of Harvard College v. DHS, Case No. 1:25-cv-11472 (D. Mass., filed May 23, 2025).
What this means
While the preliminary injunction blocking implementation of the June 4 proclamation remains in place, prospective students will be permitted to apply for F, M, and J visas and seek entry to the United States to begin attendance at Harvard University. Students should be aware, however, that the State Department has imposed new, heightened review requirements for all student visa applications. The more intensive screening could mean that fewer appointment slots will be available for new and returning students, and that visa application processing times and refusal rates could increase. Students should review our client alert on the new State Department requirements here.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
