SEVP certification

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s sudden revocation of Harvard’s certification to host international students, citing “immediate and irreparable harm.” The ruling, following Harvard’s lawsuit against DHS and ICE, pauses enforcement ahead of a key hearing. The university argued the move would displace 25% of its student body and retaliate against academic freedom. DHS defended the policy as a “privilege” and vowed to challenge the decision, while President Trump criticized Harvard. Legal uncertainty remains for 7,000 scholars at risk of deportation, with experts advising contingency planning. The case overshadows Harvard’s commencement amid protests against the administration’s actions.

The Trump administration revoked Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, alleging “terrorism support,” forcing 6,800 current students to transfer or face legal status risks. The move impacts Harvard’s $5.4B budget, as international students (27% of its body) pay full tuition. Officials framed it as accountability for defying federal demands on curriculum and campus policies. Harvard, which had sued to reclaim $2.2B in frozen grants, called the action unlawful overreach threatening U.S. academic leadership. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement, setting up prolonged legal battles. The conflict highlights tensions between federal authority and higher education autonomy.