Harvard Sues U.S. Government Over Move to Revoke International Student Access

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), challenging a decision to revoke its ability to enrol international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The action, announced by the department less than 24 hours prior, would effectively bar over 7,000 international students from attending the institution.

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In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Boston, Harvard called the government’s order a “blatant violation” of constitutional and federal law, and warned of its “immediate and devastating effect” on the university’s academic operations and global character.

The move comes after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered the revocation of Harvard’s SEVP certification beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year. The department cited alleged concerns over “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordination with the Chinese Communist Party”—allegations Harvard firmly denies.

In a letter to the university community, Harvard President Alan M. Garber described the DHS order as “unlawful and unwarranted,” stating it threatens the futures of thousands of students and undermines Harvard’s role as a global academic institution. “Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard,” the university said in a statement.

Harvard further alleged that the government’s decision is retaliatory, linked to the university’s rejection of federal pressure regarding its curriculum and academic governance. The complaint warns that the move could derail student admissions, research programmes, and teaching operations.

The legal challenge marks a significant escalation in tensions between the federal government and one of the world’s leading academic institutions, with broader implications for higher education and international student mobility in the United States.