Harvard University has sued the US government over its move to cancel the university’s ability to admit international students. The action follows increased tensions between the Trump administration and the Ivy League college, which argues that the step contravenes the constitution and will jeopardize the future of thousands of students.
As per the lawsuit, the policy revision violates the First Amendment and would have an “immediate and devastating impact” on Harvard’s 7,000 global students. An American judge has now issued a temporary restraining order preventing the administration from implementing the measure.
If enforced, the directive of the administration would bar Harvard from enrolling foreign students for two years and may compel existing international students to switch to other American universities to continue their visa status. The controversy arose after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made a request on April 16, requiring student information from Harvard, potentially associating them with protests and risking deportation.
The crisis has attracted global scrutiny, especially from Canada and Europe. Harvard currently has 686 Canadian students on its rolls, among them Cleo Carney, the daughter of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who just finished her first year in a resource efficiency program.
Belgian Princess Elisabeth, the future queen of Belgium, is also impacted. She is pursuing a two-year master’s degree at Harvard Kennedy School and is waiting for some information regarding whether she is allowed to come back for the second year. The Belgian Royal Palace confirmed they are following up on the case.
Harvard denounced the administration’s move as “unlawful,” claiming it would eliminate a quarter of its student body with the “stroke of a pen.” Harvard committed to standing behind its global community and pursue all possible paths to secure their education.
