The preliminary injunction from U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs bars the government from cutting off Harvard's access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a federal database that keeps track of student visa applications. The Boston-based judge had previously blocked the policy through a temporary restraining order.

DHS subpoenas Harvard for information on foreign students amid allegations of visa abuse and advocacy for violence.

The ongoing fued btween the Ivy League instituion is escalating to the courts. Harvard said it will comply with "all lawful requests."