U.S. faced lawsuit by Harvard for enforcing foreign student ban
The Ivy League institution, Harvard University, has taken legal action against the U.S. administration following the government's decision to prohibit the university from accepting and educating international students. This move could have far-reaching implications for the country's higher education system.
On May 23, Harvard lodged a lawsuit in the federal court of Massachusetts, accusing the administration of violating the university's constitutional rights, particularly those guaranteed by the First Amendment, and disregarding due process.
Harvard President Alan Garber expressed his disappointment, stating, "We strongly condemn this unjustified and arbitrary action, which jeopardizes the future of thousands of students and scholars at the university and sends a chilling message to educators across the nation."
The university noted that it had been certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program for over 70 years, enabling it to educate foreign students. The institution has developed programs tailored to international students, invested significantly in recruiting talented students, and integrated foreign students into all aspects of Harvard's community. However, on May 22, the government revoked the university's certification without providing a reason or following due process.
This decision leaves thousands of international students in a precarious situation. Students with F-1 and J-1 visas will have to transfer to other institutions to maintain their status in the U.S. The fate of applicants who have already received acceptance letters for the next academic year remains uncertain.
Harvard claims that the government's actions are unlawful and unconstitutional and seeks immediate relief from the court to restore its certification and halt the government's actions.
In the past, the university has filed lawsuits against several U.S. agencies over similar issues. As of now, the White House, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Education have yet to respond to queries regarding this matter.
- In response to the revoked certification, Harvard University has initiated a legal challenge, asserting that the government's actions on politics regarding education and self-development, particularly the handling of international students, violate constitutional rights and due process.
- As the legal battle unfolds, the general news brings uncertainty for thousands of international students at Harvard, potentially impacting the nation's higher education system, as students face the possibility of having to transfer to other institutions or remain in limbo regarding their future educational prospects.
