Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a decision that strips the Ivy League institution of its ability to enroll foreign students beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year.
In a complaint submitted to the U.S. District Court in Boston, Harvard described the revocation of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification as a “blatant violation” of the U.S. Constitution and federal laws. The university said the decision would have an “immediate and devastating effect” on its community, jeopardizing the future of more than 7,000 international students who are currently part of its programs.
“With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body—international students who contribute significantly to the university and its mission,” the complaint reads. “Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination, citing allegations that Harvard has “fostered violence, antisemitism, and coordination with the Chinese Communist Party.” The move, which comes amid ongoing tensions between academic institutions and federal oversight, was framed by critics as a politically charged act aimed at reshaping higher education in line with the Trump administration’s ideological agenda.
In a letter to the Harvard community, university president Alan Garber condemned the decision as part of a pattern of retaliation. “The revocation continues a series of government actions to retaliate against Harvard for our refusal to surrender our academic independence,” Garber wrote, affirming the university’s commitment to defending its values and diverse community.
The case has been assigned to Judge Allison Burroughs, who previously ruled in favor of Harvard in a high-profile affirmative action case.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed the lawsuit as “frivolous,” accusing Harvard of enabling “anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators.” She added, “Harvard should focus on creating a safe campus environment instead of wasting taxpayer resources on court battles.”
As the legal fight unfolds, the outcome could have wide-reaching implications for international education and academic freedom in the United States.
