Harvard Hits Back After Trump Visa Ban On International Students Sparks Uproar
Harvard University has hit back after the Trump administration revoked its authority to sponsor visas for international students and scholars for the 2025–26 academic year.
In a strongly worded statement issued on 23 May 2025, Harvard said the decision by the federal government was “unlawful and unwarranted” and promised to fight back in court.
“The federal government announced that it has revoked Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and stripped the University of its authority to sponsor F- and J- visas for international students and scholars,” the university said.
‘A Warning To Countless Others’
The decision affects thousands of international students currently enrolled or planning to enrol at the prestigious university.
Harvard claims the move is part of a broader attempt by the Trump administration to force the institution to comply with political interference.
“The revocation continues a series of government actions to retaliate against Harvard for our refusal to surrender our academic independence and to submit to the federal government’s illegal assertion of control over our curriculum, our faculty, and our student body,” said interim president Alan M. Garber.
The university also accused the government of putting futures at risk.
“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,” the statement read.
Harvard confirmed that it has filed a legal complaint and will soon request a temporary restraining order.
‘We Will Support You’
Despite the uncertainty, Harvard says it will stand by its international students.
“For those international students and scholars affected… know that you are vital members of our community,” Garber said.
“You are our classmates and friends, our colleagues and mentors… our country and our world are more enlightened and more resilient [because of you]. We will support you as we do our utmost to ensure that Harvard remains open to the world.”
The Trump administration reportedly justified the ban by accusing Harvard of failing to comply with information requests from the Department of Homeland Security. However, the university rejected the claim outright.
“Harvard did respond to the Department’s requests as required by law,” the university said.
The Harvard International Office will be providing regular updates to students as the legal battle unfolds.
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The post “Unlawful and Unwarranted”: Harvard Responds After Trump Admin Bans It From Enrolling International Students And Scholars appeared first on iHarare News.
