Harvard University Takes Legal Action Against Trump Administration Over Foreign Student Ban

Harvard University has initiated legal proceedings against the Trump administration, contesting a ban on foreign student enrollment. The university argues that this action is unconstitutional and poses a significant threat to its diverse student body, which includes nearly 6,800 international students. The lawsuit highlights the implications of the government's demands for information on foreign students and the accusations of fostering an unsafe campus environment. Harvard's president has emphasized the institution's commitment to its core principles amidst these challenges. This legal battle underscores the ongoing tensions between educational institutions and governmental policies regarding international students.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 23, 2025, 19:11 IST

Harvard's Legal Challenge

In a bold move, Harvard University is contesting the Trump administration's recent decision to prevent the prestigious institution from enrolling international students, labeling it as unconstitutional retaliation for not adhering to the White House's political pressures.

The lawsuit, lodged in federal court in Boston on Friday, argues that this governmental action infringes upon the First Amendment rights and poses an immediate and severe threat to Harvard and over 7,000 visa holders.

Harvard stated, "The government has attempted to erase a significant portion of our student body—international students who play a vital role in our university's mission."

The university intends to seek a temporary restraining order to halt the Department of Homeland Security from executing this decision.

Currently, Harvard hosts nearly 6,800 international students at its Cambridge, Massachusetts campus, primarily graduate students from more than 100 nations.

The Department of Homeland Security announced this action on Thursday, accusing Harvard of fostering an unsafe environment by permitting 'anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators' to target Jewish students. Additionally, it alleged that Harvard has collaborated with the Chinese Communist Party, claiming the university hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024.

Earlier this month, Harvard President Alan Garber noted that the university has implemented governance changes over the past year and a half, including a comprehensive strategy to combat antisemitism. He emphasized that Harvard would not compromise its 'core, legally-protected principles' due to fears of retaliation. The university plans to address the allegations regarding its ties with the Chinese Communist Party at a later date.

The threat to Harvard's international student enrollment originated from a request made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on April 16, demanding that Harvard provide information about foreign students who might be involved in violent protests that could lead to deportation.

Noem indicated that Harvard could restore its ability to enroll foreign students if it submits extensive records on these students within 72 hours, including any audio or video evidence of their participation in protests or other dangerous activities.

This lawsuit is distinct from an earlier case where the university challenged over $2 billion in federal funding cuts imposed by the Republican administration.