In a bold legal move, Harvard University sued the Trump administration on Friday, challenging the decision to revoke its certification to enroll international students. The complaint, filed in Boston federal court, describes the order as a “blatant violation” of the U.S. Constitution and federal law—one that hits more than 7,000 visa holders right at the heart of campus life.
With this stroke of a pen, Harvard says, the government “sought to erase a quarter of [its] student body,” wiping out the contributions of international scholars, researchers, and innovators who power classrooms, labs, and entrepreneur networks.
In its filing, the university argues that the move comes as “clear retaliation” for Harvard’s refusal to let the government dictate its governance, curriculum, and academic “ideology”—an apparent reference to past disputes over campus free speech.
The order comes from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who announced last Thursday that Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification would end with the 2025–2026 academic year, a deadline that sets the stage for a high-stakes courtroom battle.
Why this matters: International students make up roughly 25% of Harvard’s campus community, fueling research breakthroughs, startup creation, and cultural exchange. A sudden ban risks disrupting global talent pipelines and dampening the university’s competitive edge in science, tech, and entrepreneurship.
For young global citizens and future leaders, the case shines a spotlight on the intersection of immigration policy, academic freedom, and U.S. competitiveness. Will the courts restore Harvard’s ability to welcome the world’s top minds? Stay tuned as the story unfolds—its outcome could reshape higher education and global innovation for years to come.
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Harvard sues Trump administration over block on foreign students
cgtn.com
