By HARVARD University has launched a legal battle against the United States federal government following the abrupt revocation of its certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively stripping the institution of its authority to sponsor international students and scholars for the 2025–26 academic year.
In a sharply worded statement released to the Harvard community, interim president, Professor Alan M. Garber, condemned the move as “unlawful and unwarranted,” warning that it “imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars across Harvard and serves as a warning to countless others at colleges and universities throughout the country.”
“This destructive action,” Garber asserted, “is part of a continued effort to retaliate against Harvard’s refusal to yield its academic independence to federal control.”
The revocation, announced by federal authorities on Wednesday, reignites controversy over the government’s handling of international education.
It echoes former President Donald Trump’s 2020 threat to deport international students at Harvard and other institutions if their coursework was delivered online — a move widely criticised as xenophobic and shortsighted.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security claimed the decision was based on Harvard’s “failure to comply with requests for information.”
But Garber rejected this, stating unequivocally: “In fact, Harvard did respond to the Department’s requests as required by law.”
In response, Harvard has filed a formal legal complaint and announced its intention to seek a temporary restraining order.
Garber confirmed: “As we pursue legal remedies, we will do everything in our power to support our students and scholars.”
U.S. President Donald Trump
The university’s International Office will offer regular updates to the affected community.
“For those international students and scholars affected by yesterday’s action, know that you are vital members of our community,” Garber wrote.
“You are our classmates and friends, our colleagues and mentors, our partners in the work of this great institution.”
“Thanks to you,” he continued, “we know more and understand more, and our country and our world are more enlightened and more resilient.”
This escalation is being closely watched across the American academic landscape, with many expressing fears that it could discourage global talent from choosing the U.S. for higher education.
Harvard’s stand may set the tone for a wider pushback by academic institutions defending their right to remain “open to the world,” as Garber put it — even in the face of mounting political pressure.
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