University Challenges Visa Revocation in Federal Court
Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Friday, opposing the decision to revoke the school’s ability to enroll international students. The university called the move a “blatant violation” of the U.S. Constitution and federal laws, citing severe disruption to over 7,000 visa holders.
“Without Its International Students, Harvard Is Not Harvard”
In the complaint, Harvard stated that the administration’s action would erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body. The university emphasized the contributions of international students to its academic mission and warned of “immediate and irreparable harm.”
Harvard is seeking an injunction from U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs to block the revocation.
White House Dismisses the Lawsuit
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson criticized Harvard, accusing the school of prioritizing lawsuits over campus safety. She also cited alleged tolerance of antisemitic and anti-American activity on campus.
Homeland Security Cites Antisemitism, Ties to China
The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, announced the termination of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification effective for the 2025–2026 academic year. Noem accused the university of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.”
Harvard President: We Won’t Surrender Academic Independence
In a letter to the Harvard community, President Alan Garber condemned the administration’s actions as political retaliation. He said the university refused to “surrender our academic independence” or submit to illegal government control over its curriculum and admissions.
Impact on Students and Programs
Nearly 6,800 international students are currently enrolled at Harvard, making up 27% of its student body. The lawsuit claims that revoking the certification would force the university to retract admissions and disrupt academic programs just days before graduation.
Government Demands Student Data
The revocation followed an April 16 request from DHS for detailed information about Harvard’s international students. Noem justified the request by citing the university’s failure to condemn antisemitism and said certification could be restored if Harvard provided video or audio records of protest activities within 72 hours.
Garber confirmed that Harvard had complied with legal requests but stood firm against what he described as unlawful federal overreach.
Keep up with Harvard’s lawsuit over Trump administration’s ban on international students with us on Que Onda Magazine.