Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over Foreign Student Policy

Harvard University initiated legal action against the Trump administration on Friday following an announcement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aimed at revoking the university’s authorization to host foreign students.

In a statement to the Harvard community, President Alan Gerber described the DHS lawsuit as “illegal and unjust,” stating that the university is requesting a temporary restraining order. This came after Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem claimed that Harvard’s “toxic campus climate” resulted in its loss of rights to accommodate international students, citing alleged anti-Semitism and misleading disclosures regarding foreign funding.

“This cancellation is part of a broader pattern of government actions that appear to be retaliatory,” Gerber noted. He mentioned the university’s commitment to academic independence and its refusal to submit to what he termed the federal government’s illegal intrusion into its curriculum, faculty, and student organizations. He emphasized that such actions serve as a warning to other institutions that harbor similar academic aspirations.

Gerber maintained that Harvard has complied with federal demands, labeling the actions from the DHS as retaliatory efforts to impose control over the university’s operations.

“Without international students, Harvard is not Harvard University,” the institution wrote in a recent post on social media.

Harvard had previously pushed back against Trump’s administration regarding demands related to anti-Semitism, asserting its commitment to free speech and academic integrity. The administration’s response included threats of cutting federal funds, which has been a significant point of contention.

Currently, more than a quarter of Harvard’s students—approximately 6,793—are international students for the 2024-2025 academic year. With the enforcement of this new rule, existing international students would either have to transfer or risk losing their legal status within the U.S., according to information from the DHS.

Harvard found itself under scrutiny after a congressional survey in September 2024 revealed its perceived failure to adequately address the conduct of around 70 students involved in a pro-Hamas demonstration during the previous spring semester, which drew widespread protests.

Additionally, the university is accused of not fully reporting foreign contributions as required by law. Reports suggest that since 2017, Harvard received $1.1 billion from foreign sources, including over $100 million from China and roughly $1.6 million from the Palestinian Territories.

The Department of Education initiated a records request on April 18 after uncovering discrepancies in Harvard’s foreign financial disclosures.

As of now, both Harvard and the DHS have not provided immediate comments regarding the situation.