WASHINGTON, May 24: Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the administration of US President Donald Trump for the second time, following the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to block the prestigious institution from enrolling international students.

The move, announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday, not only prevents Harvard from admitting new international students but also requires current foreign students to transfer to other institutions or risk losing their legal status in the US.

Secretary Noem stated, “Enrolling international students is a privilege — not a right — and that privilege has been revoked due to Harvard’s repeated failure to comply with federal law.” She warned other universities across the country that they too could face similar actions if they do not adhere to federal regulations.

Harvard University President Alan Garber condemned the decision, calling it an “unlawful and unwarranted action” aimed at retaliating against the university for refusing to surrender its academic independence. In a letter to the Harvard community, Garber emphasized that the ban imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars at Harvard and across the nation.

“We have filed a complaint and will soon file a motion for a temporary restraining order,” Garber said. “As we pursue legal remedies, we will do everything in our power to support our students and scholars.”

This latest dispute follows a series of escalating tensions between Harvard and the Trump administration. In April, the administration demanded that Harvard implement sweeping reforms including addressing alleged antisemitism on campus and dismantling diversity initiatives favoring certain minority groups—demands that Harvard rejected.

Shortly after Harvard’s refusal, the administration froze $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in contracts awarded to the university. Further, DHS demanded Harvard provide information regarding foreign student visa holders’ alleged illegal and violent activities by April 30, threatening to revoke Harvard’s authority to enroll international students if it failed to comply.

Harvard had previously filed a federal lawsuit against the administration’s funding freeze in April, calling the move “unlawful and beyond the government’s authority.”

As of the fall 2023 semester, international students constituted over 27% of Harvard’s student body, highlighting the significant impact of the ban on the university community.

The legal battle underscores the ongoing conflict between the federal government and academic institutions over governance, academic freedom, and immigration policies affecting international students in the United States.