The decision was a victory, at least temporarily, in the university’s confrontation with the White House, which has sought to undercut its finances and influence.

Harvard University held its commencement ceremony today as a federal district judge said she will issue a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from making changes to Harvard’s student visa program indefinitely.

Harvard University held its commencement on Thursday, and the Ivy League school's ongoing battle with the Trump administration over international student enrollment and federal funding was on the mind of speakers and students at the graduation ceremony in Cambridge.

The attacks are "particularly damaging for Massachusetts," the lawmakers wrote in a letter to senior Trump administration officials.

Harvard has requested a preliminary injunction that would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from revoking the school’s ability to enroll international students under the visa programs.

If the Trump administration succeeds in barring international students from enrolling at Harvard, it will benefit U.S. competitors such as China, experts say.