Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Friday, challenging a decision by the Department of Homeland Security to block international students from attending the university. The move came less than 24 hours after the policy was announced and marked a sharp escalation in tensions between the administration and Harvard.
Harvard President Dr. Alan M. Garber condemned the order in a letter to the university community, calling it “unlawful and unwarranted”. He warned that the policy would jeopardise the futures of thousands of international students and undermine the university’s global academic foundation.
“This action imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars across Harvard and serves as a warning to countless others at colleges and universities throughout the country,” Garber said.
The Ivy league giant has filed a lawsuit in a Boston federal court challenging the US government’s decision to revoke its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. The university called the move a “blatant violation” of the US Constitution and federal law, warning of its “immediate and devastating effect” on more than 7,000 international students and the institution itself.
“With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body,” the university said, adding that international students are vital to its mission and global standing.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered the termination of Harvard’s certification starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, accusing the university of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.”
Harvard rejected the allegations and claimed the action was retaliation for resisting government pressure over its curriculum and academic governance. The university warned the decision would derail admissions, disrupt research labs and courses, and fundamentally alter Harvard’s identity. “Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard,” the 389-year-old institution said.