Harvard sues Trump administration to block ban on enrollment of international students
PTC Web Desk: Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) decision to revoke its ability to enroll international students. The university calls the move retaliatory and unlawful, claiming it violates constitutional rights and threatens the academic and cultural fabric of the institution.
The action follows an order by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who terminated Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP). The DHS cited Harvard’s failure to submit disciplinary records of international students as the reason for the revocation. Noem demanded five years' worth of records within 72 hours for the certification to be reinstated.
Harvard argues the demand is excessive and infringes on academic freedom, stating it was penalised for resisting political pressures. “It is the latest act by the government in clear retaliation for Harvard exercising its First Amendment rights,” the lawsuit claims. The university is seeking an emergency injunction to block the DHS order.
The revocation affects approximately 6,793 international students — nearly 27% of Harvard’s student body — sparking widespread anxiety among current and incoming students. Many fear deportation or disrupted academic plans. International applicants like 18-year-old Jared from New Zealand described the news as devastating, coming just months after receiving their acceptance letters, reported CNN.
Harvard president Emeritus Larry Summers called the government’s actions “unjust and destructive,” warning of deep consequences for students and academic institutions alike. As per CNN, Economics professor Jason Furman added, “It is impossible to imagine Harvard without our amazing international students.”
The White House defended the decision, accusing Harvard of fostering an anti-American, pro-terrorist environment and failing to address antisemitism on campus. The administration has also threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and frozen $2.65 billion in federal funds.
Despite acknowledging past issues with antisemitism, Harvard insists it has taken corrective steps. It rejected DHS’s push for ideological vetting of students and faculty, calling it a government overreach.
- With inputs from agencies
