Harvard University Fights Back: Lawsuit Filed Over Foreign Student Ban

The prestigious institution challenges the Trump administration's decision impacting international students and alleging First Amendment violations.

Harvard University is taking legal action against the administration of former US President Donald Trump following the revocation of its ability to enroll international students. This decision has sparked a significant legal challenge, raising concerns about academic freedom and the future of thousands of students.

In a complaint filed in a Boston federal court, Harvard characterized the revocation as a "blatant violation" of the US Constitution's First Amendment and other federal laws. The university emphasized the significant impact of the decision, noting its "immediate and devastating effect" on the institution and over 7,000 visa holders.

The core of the dispute centers on the Trump administration's decision to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll foreign nationals. This decision has put the future of thousands of students at risk and threatens the prestigious university with a huge financial blow.

Harvard stated, "With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body, international students who contribute significantly to the university and its mission." The university further argued that the government's actions represent "clear retaliation" for Harvard exercising its First Amendment rights. It is believed that Harvard rejected the former president's demands to control Harvard's governance, curriculum, and the "ideology" of its faculty and students.

The US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem ordered the termination of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, effective for the 2025 to 2026 academic year. She claimed that Harvard is "fostering violence, antisemitism and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party."

The impact of the decision is also being felt in Taiwan. The Ministry of Education (MOE) in Taipei reported that approximately 52 Taiwanese students, including those recently accepted, are expected to be affected by the ban.

The MOE announced measures to support these students, welcoming those whose studies at Harvard would be disrupted to complete their education in Taiwan and offering assistance with the transfer process. The ministry is prepared to arrange additional college entrance exams for students wishing to study in Taiwan due to the US policies. It also encouraged domestic universities with memoranda of understanding with Harvard to discuss measures to assist Taiwanese students.

For students who have not yet secured their student visas, the ministry recommended continuing their studies in Taiwan. Students seeking assistance can contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Boston branch’s education division via email at boston@mail.moe.gov.tw, as stated by the ministry.