Harvard University, the oldest higher education institution in the United States, has taken legal action against the Trump administration following its abrupt decision to revoke the university’s ability to admit international students. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Boston on Friday, accuses the administration of unlawfully targeting Harvard and jeopardizing the future of thousands of foreign scholars.
The legal challenge comes just one day after the U.S. Department of State announced that Harvard would no longer be permitted to enroll foreign students, citing alleged noncompliance with federal regulations. Current international students were given an ultimatum—either transfer to another institution or risk losing their legal immigration status. The sudden policy shift has caused widespread concern among students, faculty, and academic leaders.
In a statement, Harvard condemned the decision as a “clear violation of the law” and an unjustified attack on the university’s long-standing commitment to global education. The institution emphasized that international students and researchers, who come from more than 140 countries, play a vital role in enriching Harvard’s academic environment and contributing to the broader intellectual and cultural landscape of the United States.
U.S. Interior Minister Kristi Noem defended the administration’s move on social media, stating that Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification had been revoked due to alleged legal violations. She framed the decision as a warning to other universities, suggesting that stricter enforcement of immigration policies would continue. However, Harvard has firmly rejected these claims, arguing that the administration’s actions are politically motivated rather than based on legitimate regulatory concerns.
The university has pledged to provide immediate support and guidance to affected students while pursuing legal remedies. Harvard officials warned that the Trump administration’s decision could inflict severe damage not only on the university but also on the nation’s reputation as a hub for higher education and research. With approximately 7,000 international students enrolled—making up 27.2% of the student body—the policy threatens to disrupt academic careers and research initiatives across multiple disciplines.
This latest development follows earlier tensions between Harvard and the Trump administration. Earlier this year, after President Trump began his second term, his administration moved to cut federal funding to the university, signaling an escalating conflict over education and immigration policies. The lawsuit represents a significant escalation in the dispute, with potential implications for other universities that rely on international students and scholars.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case is being closely watched by educators, policymakers, and students worldwide. The outcome could set a precedent for how U.S. immigration policies intersect with higher education, shaping the future of academic exchange and global research collaboration. For now, uncertainty looms over thousands of foreign students who had chosen Harvard as their academic home, now facing an unexpected and disruptive challenge to their education.
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