Trump administration revokes Harvard's right to enroll foreign students, Harvard sues

The Trump administration on May 22 revoked Harvard University's authorization to enroll international students, a move affecting over a quarter of its student body and marking a significant escalation in the administration’s clash with the prestigious institution.

Harvard University on Friday sued the Trump administration over the decision.

President Donald Trump, angered by Harvard's refusal to accept federal oversight of its admissions and hiring practices, has accused the university of fostering anti-Semitism and promoting what he describes as a “woke” liberal agenda. Harvard, which boasts 162 Nobel laureates among its affiliates, has resisted these demands.

“Effective immediately, Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVIS) Program is revoked,” wrote Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a letter to the university. SEVIS is the system that authorizes foreign students to study in the U.S.

Last month, Trump warned that Harvard’s ability to enroll international students would be suspended unless it complied with federal demands for oversight.

“It is a privilege to enroll foreign students,” Noem stated, referencing her earlier correspondence. “All universities are required to meet Department of Homeland Security standards, including reporting obligations under SEVIS regulations, in order to retain this privilege.”

She cited Harvard’s failure to respond to multiple requests for information and accused the university of maintaining a campus environment hostile to Jewish students, supporting pro-Hamas sentiment, and advancing racially biased “diversity, equity, and inclusion” initiatives.

According to Harvard data, international students accounted for more than 27% of total enrollment in the 2024–25 academic year.

In a complaint filed in Boston federal court, Harvard called the revocation a "blatant violation" of the U.S. Constitution and other federal laws, and had an "immediate and devastating effect" on the university and more than 7,000 visa holders.

 

"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," Harvard said.

 

"Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard," the 389-year-old school added.

 

Harvard asked a federal judge to block the revocation, citing "the immediate and irreparable harm inflicted by this lawless action." The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed the lawsuit.

 

"If only Harvard cared this much about ending the scourge of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators on their campus they wouldn't be in this situation to begin with," Jackson said.

 

"Harvard should spend their time and resources on creating a safe campus environment instead of filing frivolous lawsuits," she added.

 

The termination of Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, effective with the 2025-2026 academic year, was announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

 

She said the termination was justified because of Harvard's "fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party."