Harvard University slammed the federal government’s decision to revoke its ability to sponsor international student visas, calling it an unlawful act of retaliation against the institution’s academic independence.
Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard. https://t.co/V8uvTNaL64
— Harvard University (@Harvard) May 23, 2025
In a letter to the Harvard community Friday, President Alan Garber said the U.S. government’s move to strip the university of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification for the 2025–26 academic year threatens the futures of thousands of international students and scholars.
Harvard accused the government of trying to assert illegal control over its curriculum, faculty, and student body, and vowed to fight back in court. The university said it has filed a complaint and will seek a temporary restraining order.
Contrary to federal claims, Garber said Harvard had complied with all legal information requests from the Department of Homeland Security. The university pledged full support to affected students and reaffirmed its commitment to remaining “open to the world.”
