President Donald Trump’s administration tried to revoke Harvard University’s access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), potentially making nearly 6,800 international students deportable. This move, framed as holding Harvard accountable for alleged violence, antisemitism, and ties with the Chinese Communist Party, was blocked by a federal judge after Harvard filed a lawsuit citing First Amendment violations. The administration also demanded detailed information on international students’ activities and disciplinary records, threatening to revoke Harvard’s SEVIS certification if demands were not met. Harvard resisted these demands, unlike other universities, leading to the current legal battle. The lawsuit argues the government’s actions retaliate against Harvard for exercising its rights and severely impact its international student body, forcing students to transfer or leave the country. The federal judge’s temporary block on DHS’s action ensures the students remain enrolled for now.
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