In a rapid turn of events, Harvard University finds itself in a legal battle with the Trump administration over its ability to admit international students. The conflict escalated quickly, with Harvard filing a lawsuit against the administration just a day after its certification was revoked.
Swift Legal Action
The Trump administration’s surprising decision to revoke Harvard’s certification to admit international students was met with immediate legal action from the university. Within 24 hours, Harvard responded by filing a lawsuit, prompting a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order. This order has temporarily halted the administration’s actions, leaving the situation in a state of uncertainty.
Jonaki Mehta from NPR reports that the administration’s move was justified by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who accused Harvard of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.” The directive also required currently enrolled international students to transfer elsewhere. Harvard’s lawsuit argues that these actions constitute a “campaign of retribution” by the administration.
Judge’s Rapid Response
Legal experts, including Carl Tobias from the University of Richmond, have noted the unusual speed of the judge’s decision. Tobias remarked that the judge acted quickly because the administration’s criticisms of Harvard were already widely publicized. Tobias stated, “She didn’t even bother to wait to hear about all the evidence because it had already been in the public realm.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appears poised to appeal the restraining order. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented, “The Trump administration is committed to restoring common sense to our student visa system, and we expect a higher court to vindicate us in this.”
Harvard’s Legal Standing
Harvard’s case against the administration is seen as strong by legal scholars. The lawsuit claims that the administration is infringing upon Harvard’s First Amendment rights and violating legal procedures required for revoking a university’s certification to admit international students. Normally, such revocations occur when a university fails to meet specific administrative standards, like maintaining accreditation.
In her letter, DHS Secretary Noem demanded Harvard provide records and video footage related to international students involved in protests or dangerous activities within 72 hours.
Impact on International Students
International students, who make up more than 27% of Harvard’s student body, are left in a state of anxiety. One student, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of government retaliation, described feeling a mix of emotions, with some hope that Harvard’s actions will protect their interests.
Across the U.S., international students contribute significantly to the academic and economic landscape. Last year, over a million international students were enrolled in American higher education institutions, contributing more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy. As the legal proceedings unfold, many international students are left wondering about their future in the country.
