Harvard sues Trump over foreign student ban

Harvard University, United States, has filed a lawsuit against the President Donald Trump-led administration following the federal government’s decision to revoke the institution’s certification to enrol international students, including Nigerians, for the 2025–26 academic year. 

In a statement to members of the Harvard community on Friday, the university revealed that the federal government had stripped it of authority under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for the 2025–26 academic year.

The university described the move as unlawful, retaliatory, and a threat to its academic independence.

The decision, Harvard said, follows its refusal to yield to what it called “the federal government’s illegal assertion of control” over the university’s curriculum, faculty, and student body.

“We condemn this unlawful and unwarranted action. 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 who have come to America to pursue their education and fulfill their dreams,” the statement read.

The university said it would follow up the legal complaint with a motion for a temporary restraining order.

While legal proceedings continue, Harvard assured that it would “do everything in our power to support our students and scholars,” adding that the Harvard International Office would provide updates as new information emerged.

The government claims the revocation stems from Harvard’s failure to respond to information requests from the Department of Homeland Security.

Harvard, however, refuted this, saying, “Harvard did respond to the Department’s requests as required by law.”

Reaffirming its commitment to the affected international students and scholars, the university said, “For those international students and scholars affected by yesterday’s action, know that you are vital members of our community.

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“You are our classmates and friends, our colleagues and mentors, our partners in the work of this great institution.”

The statement added, “Thanks to you, we know more and understand more, and our country and our world are more enlightened and more resilient. We will support you as we do our utmost to ensure that Harvard remains open to the world.”

Sharing the message on its official X handle, the university added, “Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.”

Tribune Online reports that the action follows a directive from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who had earlier demanded that Harvard submit records of alleged “illegal and violent activities” by foreign students by 30 April or risk losing its certification.

The consequences are expected to be severe, as Harvard’s international population stands at nearly 10,000, including 6,793 international students — making up over a quarter of its current student body.

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