Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order After Harvard Sues Over Visa Certification Revocation
Massachusetts, USA – May 13, 2025: In a landmark ruling, a United States federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration’s effort to prohibit Harvard University from admitting international students. This judicial intervention blocks the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from revoking Harvard’s SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certification, which enables the institution to host foreign nationals under F-1 student visas.
Harvard Files Legal Challenge, Alleges Violation of Constitutional Rights
Harvard University, an Ivy League institution, filed a lawsuit in the US District Court in Massachusetts, asserting that the federal government’s decision infringes on constitutional protections—particularly the First Amendment and Due Process Clause. The lawsuit described the revocation as a “blatant violation” of federal law that could have devastating consequences for more than 7,000 visa holders.
Related Keyphrases:
- Harvard international student visa lawsuit
- SEVP certification revocation
- Trump administration education policies
University Responds to DHS Order: ‘Erasing a Quarter of Our Student Body’
Harvard condemned the revocation, stating it would “erase a quarter of our student body”, referring to the significant contribution of foreign students to the university’s academic and cultural life. The school emphasized that the abrupt decision jeopardizes education continuity and may damage the institution’s international reputation.
Synonyms Used:
- Enrolment → Admission, Registration
- Foreign Students → International Scholars, Overseas Students
- Lawsuit → Legal Complaint, Judicial Action
Department of Homeland Security Raises National Security, Political Concerns
In a controversial letter dated May 22, the DHS accused Harvard of creating an “unsafe environment” for Jewish students, endorsing “pro-Hamas sympathies,” and enforcing racially biased Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices. The department also alleged Harvard’s connection to the Chinese Communist Party, and issued a 72-hour ultimatum with six conditions—including the submission of protest footage and student surveillance records.
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- DHS revokes SEVP certification
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Harvard’s Global Student Body in Legal Limbo
Currently, international students account for 27.2% of Harvard’s enrollment. Losing SEVP approval would render the university incapable of issuing I-20 forms, a critical document for securing student visas. This may disrupt academic careers, force students to transfer institutions, or prompt some to exit the U.S. education system altogether.
Short-Term Relief Brings Hope, But Uncertainty Looms
While the court’s temporary block offers short-term legal protection, the final outcome hinges on upcoming judicial reviews. If Harvard fails to meet DHS criteria or obtain a permanent injunction, it could face a major loss of foreign student admissions, financial repercussions, and declining diversity on campus.
Related Keyphrases:
- Harvard international admissions crisis
- Trump vs higher education
- Legal battle over student visa policies
