Washington: Harvard University is fighting a legal battle against the Trump administration over restrictions on international students. A federal judge in the US will decide on Thursday whether the administration can continue its move to cancel the certification that allows Harvard to admit foreign students.
The issue began when the Trump administration accused Harvard of promoting antisemitism, violence, and even working with the Chinese Communist Party. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) tried to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, which make up around 25% of the university’s student body, said a Reuters report.
President Donald Trump had said that Harvard should cap its international student admissions at 15%. He added, “Harvard has got to behave themselves.” This has drawn sharp criticism from the university, which believes the move is politically motivated and a violation of its rights.
Harvard’s lawyers have called the actions an “unprecedented and retaliatory attack on academic freedom.” They said the revocation was done without following proper legal procedures. According to federal law, DHS must give at least 30 days’ notice and a chance to respond before taking such action. Harvard was given no such opportunity.
This legal fight began in April when Harvard refused to follow government orders to limit pro-Palestinian protests and to end policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition to the student visa issue, Harvard is also facing a separate lawsuit over the administration’s decision to cut $3 billion in research funding.
The court hearing on Thursday will decide whether to continue the temporary block on the administration’s actions or allow the DHS to move forward. Harvard has made it clear that international students are an important part of the university, and removing them would damage the institution’s core values.
