Ivy League Showdown: Harvard Takes U.S. Government to Court Over International Student Ban

Updated: May 23, 2025 18:10

Image Source: Intelregion

Harvard University has sued the U.S. government in response to a shock action by the Trump administration stripping the university of its power to admit international students. The move, which affects thousands of students and has caused a stir in the higher education community, is a clear demonstration of worsening tensions between the Ivy League school and federal powers.

Background and Announcement

The Trump administration revealed on May 22, 2025, that the certification of Harvard University under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) was withdrawn, effective for 2025–2026.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under the direction of Secretary Kristi Noem, charged Harvard with "fostering violence, antisemitism, and cooperating with the Chinese Communist Party.".
This action comes after Harvard defied federal requirements for detailed records of overseas students' activities and disciplinary proceedings.

Straightaway Impact on Students

Close to 6,800 foreign students, representing around 27% of Harvard students, are immediately impacted.
Existing international students are required to switch schools to other SEVP-approved schools or lose their legal status in America.
The university was granted 72 hours to surrender all disciplinary records of international students over the last five years if it wants to be reinstated for SEVP certification.

Harvard's Reaction and Legal Action

Harvard denounced the move as "unlawful" and "retaliatory," claiming it causes serious damage to the university and the nation.
The university promptly sued the federal government, asking for an emergency injunction to block enforcement of the ban.
A U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction, permitting international students to keep their lawful status for the time being as the legal struggle ensues.

Wider Implications and Responses

The ruling has triggered rampant anxiety and uncertainty among students, teachers, and the international academic community, particularly since it is just days before graduation.
The action is interpreted as an unprecedented intensification of federal monitoring of top-learning institutions and a shot across the bows of other universities.
Stakeholders such as education advocates and international students have expressed dismay and alarm over what they term government overreach and politicization of the education sector.

Relevant Sources: Reuters, The PIE News, CNN, Times of India, Economic Times

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