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• Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against President Trump over the termination of its student visa program.
• The decision affects over 7,000 international students and is deemed a violation of the First Amendment and due process.
• The university claims the government’s action is arbitrary and unconstitutional.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

Harvard University has taken legal action against President Trump following the termination of its ability to enroll international students. This move, announced on Thursday, bars Harvard from sponsoring or hosting F-1 and J-1 visa students, affecting more than 7,000 visa holders and their dependents.

Core Players

• Harvard University – One of the world’s most prestigious universities.
• President Trump – Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Secretary Kristi Noem.
• International Students – Over 7,000 students from more than 140 countries.

Key Numbers

• 7,000+ – Number of international students affected.
• 140+ – Countries represented by Harvard’s international students.
• 6,703 – Number of international students enrolled at Harvard in 2024.
• 1,203 – Number of Chinese students at Harvard in 2024.

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Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The President Trump decision to terminate Harvard’s student visa program was triggered by the university’s alleged failure to provide extensive behavioral records of student visa holders. DHS requested records including footage of protest activities, disciplinary records, and documentation of illegal or violent activities by students on visas.

Harvard was given 72 hours to comply, which it failed to do, leading to the termination of its SEVP certification.

Inside Forces

Harvard argues that the government’s action is a “blatant violation of the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act.” The university has been certified to host F-1 visa students for over seven decades across 14 presidential administrations.

The university claims the government has “casually discarded core First Amendment protections” and its own regulations, causing immediate and devastating effects for the Harvard community.

Power Dynamics

The President Trump administration, through DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, asserts that Harvard’s refusal to comply with the requests and its alleged perpetuation of an “unsafe campus environment” justify the termination. The administration accuses Harvard of promoting “pro-Hamas sympathies” and employing “racist ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ policies.”

Harvard denies these allegations, stating that the government’s action is unlawful and retaliatory.

Outside Impact

The decision has broader implications for U.S. higher education and international relations. China has criticized the move, stating it will harm America’s international standing and has invited affected students to consider studying in China instead.

The move also raises concerns about the future of international student enrollment in the U.S. and the potential damage to educational cooperation between the U.S. and other countries.

Future Forces

The lawsuit filed by Harvard seeks immediate relief to restore its SEVP certification and halt the government’s action. The outcome of this legal battle will set a precedent for other universities and could influence future immigration policies.

International students currently at Harvard face the risk of immediate removal from the U.S. unless the situation is resolved before the next academic year begins.

Data Points

• May 23, 2025: Harvard files lawsuit against the President Trump.
• 72 hours: The time given to Harvard to comply with DHS requests.
• 7 decades: The duration Harvard has been certified to host F-1 visa students.
• 2024-2025: Academic year affected by the termination of Harvard’s student visa program.