Harvard University Takes Legal Action Against Trump Administration Over International Student Enrollment

Harvard's Legal Challenge

Washington: Harvard University has initiated a second lawsuit against the Trump administration, following the announcement from the Department of Homeland Security that it would prevent the university from enrolling international students.

In a letter addressed to the Harvard community, President Alan Garber expressed that this action is part of a broader pattern of government retaliation against the university for maintaining its academic autonomy. He stated, "We denounce this illegal and unjustified measure, which jeopardizes the futures of numerous students and scholars at Harvard and sends a troubling message to other educational institutions across the nation."

Garber confirmed that the university has filed a formal complaint and will seek a temporary restraining order. He emphasized that Harvard will do everything possible to assist its students and scholars during this legal battle.

The announcement from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated that the decision serves as a warning to all academic institutions, stating, "Enrolling international students is a privilege—not a right—and this privilege has been revoked due to Harvard's ongoing noncompliance with federal regulations."

Noem further clarified that not only will new international students be barred from enrollment, but current foreign students must either transfer or risk losing their legal status.

Earlier in April, officials from the Trump administration had sent a letter to Harvard, demanding significant reforms in governance and restructuring.

The administration's key requests included addressing alleged antisemitism on campus and dismantling diversity initiatives that benefit specific minority groups.

Harvard rejected these demands shortly after they were made, leading to the Trump administration freezing $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in contracts with the university.

On April 16, Noem requested that Harvard provide information regarding any illegal or violent activities involving foreign student visa holders by the end of the month, or face the loss of its authorization to enroll international students.

In response, Harvard filed a federal lawsuit against the funding freeze, labeling it as "unlawful and beyond the government's authority."

According to university statistics, international students constituted over 27% of Harvard's student population as of the fall 2023 semester.