Education/ USA: Harvard sues Trump administration over international student ban

Harvard University has launched a legal battle against the Trump administration after federal officials revoked its authority to enroll international students a move the Ivy League institution calls an “unlawful retaliation.”

The lawsuit, filed in Boston, challenges the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to strip Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, which allows it to host foreign students.

Nearly 27% of Harvard’s student body over 6,800 individuals could be affected.

“This abrupt action targets students vital to our academic mission,” said Harvard President Alan Garber, accusing the administration of punishing the university for defending its independence.

The White House has criticized Harvard’s handling of antisemitism allegations and alleged bias against conservative voices, claims the school denies.

The clash escalates ongoing tensions. In April, the administration froze $2.2 billion in Harvard funding and threatened its tax-exempt status.

The university previously sued over that freeze, framing it as government overreach.

The case highlights broader Republican scrutiny of elite universities, with investigations into campuses like Columbia over pro-Palestinian activism and alleged ideological discrimination.

Harvard, a global academic leader, now fights to preserve its international student programs—and its autonomy.

A court ruling could set a precedent for federal intervention in higher education.