Harvard files suit over Trump move to end visa program

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for its decision to terminate the university’s student visa program. The policy change is expected to impact over 7,000 visa holders and Harvard argues that it violates the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made the decision to end the program after Harvard allegedly did not provide the department with the extensive behavioral records of student visa holders that were requested. DHS gave Harvard a 72-hour deadline to comply with the request, but the university failed to do so.

This means that Harvard is currently unable to enroll any foreign students for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, existing foreign students must either transfer to another institution or risk losing their legal status to reside in the United States before the next academic year begins.

The records that DHS requested from Harvard include any footage of protest activities involving students on visas, as well as disciplinary records of all visa-holding students from the past five years. The department also asked for documentation of any illegal, dangerous, or violent activities by student visa holders, as well as any records of threats or violations of rights towards other students or university staff.

Harvard’s lawsuit argues that the termination of the student visa program is unjust and unconstitutional. The university is seeking to reverse the decision and ensure that its international students can continue their education without disruption.