Just now, Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its international enrollment ban issued yesterday, and submitted a temporary restraining order in short order to prevent the Department of Homeland Security from revoking its authorization to enroll international students.
Latest update: Harvard has obtained a temporary restraining order, and Harvard international students' status is temporarily secure.
Source: thecrimson
In a 72-page lawsuit, Harvard University accused the Department of Homeland Security of an "unprecedented and retaliatory" act that threatens the lives of thousands of students just days before graduation. Currently, more than 7,000 students study at Harvard on visas.
Harvard President Alan Garber wrote in a letter to the entire Harvard community this Friday morning:
"The Trump administration's action is unlawful and completely unjustified, jeopardizing the futures of thousands of students and scholars at Harvard and serving as a warning to countless students nationwide who come to the U.S. for education and to pursue their dreams."
Source: Harvard
Harvard and Trump Administration Conflict Escalates Sharply
On May 22, the Trump administration ordered the revocation of Harvard University's authorization to enroll international students, meaning Harvard would be unable to enroll any international students holding F or J nonimmigrant visas for the 2025-26 academic year; additionally, existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status.
Source: DHS
Within 24 hours, Harvard took legal action to strike back, accusing the Trump administration's order of being politically motivated retaliation and violating the First Amendment by infringing on the university's academic freedom.
"With a stroke of a pen, the administration seeks to erase a quarter of Harvard's students—international students who have made significant contributions to Harvard and its mission. Without international students, Harvard would not be Harvard."
Source: Harvard lawsuit filing
This lawsuit marks Harvard University's second legal challenge against the Trump administration. Earlier, Harvard had sued the White House over billions of dollars in research funding cuts. The hearing date for the first lawsuit is set for July 21, but more than $2.7 billion in federal funds remain frozen.
Source: thecrimson
In seeking a temporary restraining order, Harvard stated that the DHS order would be temporarily blocked while the case is being heard. If the judge did not grant the TRO request by Sunday, the DHS could terminate the visa status of thousands of Harvard's international students.
Harvard lawyers argued that implementing this change "would weaken Harvard's global character and overall strength, harming the educational experience of all Harvard students."
Fortunately, Harvard has now secured a temporary restraining order. U.S. District Judge has scheduled a status hearing for the 27th and a hearing on whether to issue a preliminary injunction for the 29th. Harvard will need to seek a preliminary injunction to prevent the DHS order from taking effect once the TRO expires.
Shocks U.S. Academic Community, Universities Continue Defense Battle
The Trump administration's Thursday move sent shockwaves through academia. MIT President Sally Kornbluth said in a statement that it is a "grave moment."
Source: MIT
The University of Pennsylvania also sent an email to all international students and scholars, reiterating Penn's strong commitment to its international student community and stating that the International Student and Scholar Services office will do its utmost to help.
Source: UPenn
International students currently at Harvard or incoming freshmen should patiently await official university notifications. If you have any questions, seek help from the school immediately; CheersYou（清柚教育） will also follow the latest updates in real time.
U.S. universities have always stood by their students, providing the greatest possible protection for international students. We believe Harvard will ultimately do its utmost to secure the maximum rights for its international students and achieve the most proper resolution.
At the same time, in this punitive "culture war," we believe Harvard will not be the last university to stand up and fight—more voices will join this effort to defend academic freedom in the future.
