Harvard University is suing the Trump administration after the federal government revoked its ability to enroll international students, challenging the decision in court.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, argues that the government's decision violates constitutional rights and would cause severe damage to the school and its student body.
The US Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Kristi Noem, ended Harvard's certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) last week.
This move means Harvard cannot enroll new international students and current international students must transfer or leave the country.
With nearly 7,000 international students enrolled, more than a quarter of Harvard's student population is now in limbo, AP News said.
"This unlawful and unwarranted action imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars," said Harvard President Dr. Alan Garber in a letter to the Harvard community.
In its lawsuit, Harvard says the ban is retaliation for the school's refusal to make sweeping changes to its governance, admissions, and student discipline processes — changes demanded by the Trump administration. Harvard says those demands are politically motivated.
The university argues the revocation violates the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and federal rules governing administrative decisions. "With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body," the lawsuit states.
Harvard University is suing the Trump administration for their ban on enrolling foreign students. (via AP) pic.twitter.com/mFSjhrHIo1
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Harvard Faces Uncertain Future After Federal Ban Halted
A federal judge issued a temporary block on the ban Friday, allowing Harvard's international students to remain in the country without fear of arrest or deportation—for now. But the future remains uncertain.
The Trump administration claims the decision was based on safety concerns, accusing Harvard of fostering antisemitism, allowing violent protests, and even working with the Chinese Communist Party.
According to Newsweek, Secretary Noem said the school failed to provide full records about foreign students involved in campus protests. "Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions," Noem said in her statement.
Harvard, however, insists it responded with thousands of data points but received no clear explanation of what was lacking. The school calls the action a violation of federal law and a threat to its mission.
The lawsuit also warns of long-term effects. Without SEVP certification, Harvard can't enroll new international students for at least two years.
That would impact top graduate programs like the Business and Kennedy Schools, which rely heavily on global enrollment.
Meanwhile, other schools like Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have offered to take in displaced Harvard students, promising "unconditional offers" and support during this transition.
Originally published on vcpost.com
