Harvard University Sues Trump Administration Over Ban on International Students

Harvard University has taken legal action against the Trump administration by filing a federal lawsuit just hours after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moved to revoke its authority to host international students.

The policy shift threatens the academic futures of nearly 7,000 international students, who make up around 27% of Harvard's student population.

In response, Harvard condemned the move as “unjustified and punitive,” and accusing the administration of undermining the university’s independence and academic mission.

The lawsuit alleges that the DHS’s decision violates Harvard’s First Amendment rights and federal statutes by stripping the institution of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program essential for issuing student visas.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the decision, citing concerns over antisemitic incidents, violent unrest, and foreign influence, including alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

Havard denied the claims and argued that the policy is politically drived and stems from the university’s refusal to alter its curriculum, admissions practices, and diversity programs in line with White House demands.

U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary injunction, stopping the policy and allowing international students to remain enrolled while court proceedings continue.

While the Court hearings are scheduled for May 28 and May 30, the judge stressed that the administration’s actions could cause serious and irreparable harm to both students and the university.

Many figures including Alan Garber criticized Trump's actions as an attempt to control higher education institutions.