Trump Administration Faces Legal Battles Over Harvard and DHS Actions

Feb 14, 2026, 2:56 AM

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The Trump administration's attempt to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students has led to significant legal challenges and public outcry. A federal judge recently issued a temporary restraining order, allowing the Ivy League institution to continue its international student program while a lawsuit progresses.

On May 22, 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the revocation of Harvard's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), citing the university's alleged failure to address antisemitism on campus and its supposed collaboration with foreign entities, particularly the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This move would have barred Harvard from enrolling foreign students and required existing students to transfer or lose their legal status.

In response, Harvard quickly filed a lawsuit arguing that the administration's actions were unconstitutional and retaliatory, stating that such a revocation would have a "devastating effect" on its academic community, which includes over 6,800 international students from more than 100 countries. The university's leadership emphasized the essential role these students play in its mission and highlighted the government's lack of adherence to proper legal protocols in the termination process.

The court's ruling to block the revocation has been hailed by Harvard officials, who view it as a safeguard for their rights and a reaffirmation of the importance of a diverse student body in American higher education. US District Judge Allison Burroughs emphasized that Harvard demonstrated potential harm from the government's actions, allowing the case to be heard in full.

The Trump administration has maintained that Harvard's environment is unsafe, claiming that it harbors anti-American and pro-terrorist sentiments among its student population, which has contributed to rising antisemitism. In a letter sent to Harvard, Noem cited the need for accountability and threatened further actions against the university if it did not comply with the administration's demands for information regarding international students.

Amidst these tensions, the Chinese government expressed concern over the impact of the Trump administration's policies on foreign students, suggesting that such actions could harm the US's international standing. Harvard has also faced scrutiny from various quarters, including the Department of Health and Human Services, which cited Columbia University for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students from harassment, further illustrating the fraught political landscape surrounding higher education.

The ongoing legal battle represents not just a confrontation between Harvard and the Trump administration, but also a broader struggle over the future of academic freedom and the role of international students in American universities. As the case unfolds, many are watching closely to see how these developments will shape the landscape of higher education in the US.

As Harvard continues to take steps to protect its international community, the implications of this case could extend well beyond its campus, potentially setting precedents for how universities interact with federal policies and the rights of foreign students. The next hearing in this case is set for later this month, where further decisions will be made regarding the administration's attempts to restrict Harvard's enrollment practices.

The Trump administration's actions against Harvard are viewed by critics as part of a larger campaign to exert political control over educational institutions that do not align with its agenda. As the situation develops, it remains a focal point for discussions about academic independence and the future of international education in the United States.

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