Harvard University’s battle against the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke its international student certification took a new turn as a federal judge blocked the government’s move, temporarily saving thousands of students from potential deportation.

At a Glance

• A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to prevent Harvard from enrolling international students, which threatened the status of about 6,800 students
• Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security after it announced plans to terminate the university’s certification for enrolling international students
• The administration also threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and froze $2.2 billion in funding
• The White House criticized Harvard for allegedly not addressing antisemitism and “pro-terrorist agitators” on campus
• The legal battle raises broader questions about government interference in higher education and the future of international students in America

Federal Judge Intervenes in Harvard’s International Student Crisis

In a significant development, a federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students. The administration’s move had threatened the academic future of approximately 6,800 students, who represent over a quarter of Harvard’s student body. The university filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security after it announced plans to terminate Harvard’s certification for enrolling international students, a decision that would have effectively forced thousands of students to leave the country or face deportation.

Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, strongly condemned the administration’s action, calling it “unlawful and unwarranted.” The university’s legal challenge argues that the revocation violates the First Amendment and represents retaliation for not complying with government demands regarding governance and curriculum. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has countered these claims by accusing Harvard of fostering violence, antisemitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party.

President Donald Trump says his administration will revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status, escalating his previous threats against the Ivy League school and potentially expanding an ongoing legal battle.
"It's what they deserve!" https://t.co/vhk1JMwL84

— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) May 2, 2025

Tax-Exempt Status and Federal Funding at Risk

Beyond the international student certification issue, the Trump administration has threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and has already frozen $2.2 billion in funding. An additional $450 million in grants were reportedly cut due to alleged race discrimination in the Harvard Law Review. The administration has also questioned Harvard’s admission policies in light of a Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, suggesting the university may not be in compliance with federal law.

“Billions of dollars has been paid to Harvard. How ridiculous is that? Billions. And they have $52 billion as an endowment. They have $52 billion. And this country is paying billions and billions of dollars and then gives student loans and they have to pay back the loans. So Harvard’s going to have to change its ways.”, said President Trump.

Harvey Mansfield, a retired Harvard professor, has argued against the removal of tax exemptions, stating it would force the university to close entirely. “That would force it to close its doors. That’s going much too far. And the whole idea of placing tax exemption as a penalty for misbehavior by universities is, I think, exaggerated and improper,” he noted. Other defenders of the university have emphasized Harvard’s contributions to research and education.

Broader Implications for Higher Education

The conflict between Harvard and the Trump administration is viewed by many as part of a larger attempt to impose a particular agenda on universities across the country. Alan Garber warned that the administration’s action “serves as a warning to countless other colleges and universities throughout the country.” The situation raises serious concerns about whether the United States will continue to be perceived as a safe and welcoming place for international students, potentially affecting future applications to American institutions.

“If only Harvard cared this much about ending the scourge of anti-American, antisemitic, pro-terrorist agitators on their campus, they wouldn’t be in this situation to begin with.”, White House states.

The impact extends beyond Harvard, as over 1.1 million international students are currently enrolled in U.S. colleges, contributing nearly $44 billion to the American economy in the last academic year alone. The broader question emerging from this conflict is whether the Republican Party will continue to support the research and educational opportunities provided by major universities. Some supporters of the university argue that rescinding Harvard’s non-profit status would ultimately harm the American public more than it would benefit them.

The president has been in an ongoing battle with the Ivy League university over a list of the administration's demands, including ending DEI on campus. https://t.co/ISlf946QXe

— Fast Company (@FastCompany) May 2, 2025