Press Release  AG Campbell Urges Court To Block Trump Administration's Unlawful Termination Of Harvard's Student And Exchange Visitor Program

BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell today filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts, supporting Harvard University in its lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its unlawful termination of the school’s certification to host international students as part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The Administration’s actions have upended the university’s ability to enroll, educate, and employ international students, who provide cultural, economic, and social benefits to the Commonwealth. 

“It’s clear that by revoking Harvard’s ability to enroll international students – and by threatening the legal status of current students – the Trump Administration is seeking political retribution against an institution that rightly refuses to give up its academic independence,” said AG Campbell. “I am proud to stand with Harvard against the Administration’s unlawful policies and will continue to do everything in my power to protect international students who meaningfully contribute to our communities, classrooms, and economy.”  

On May 22, the Trump Administration sent a letter to Harvard indicating it had revoked the school’s SEVP certification effective immediately. The revocation prevents international students and academics from completing their studies at Harvard and potentially strips them of their lawful immigration status. 

In her brief, AG Campbell explains that the Administration’s action threatens the Commonwealth’s academic institutions, economic prosperity, and global leadership in education and scientific innovation. For instance, during the 2023-2024 school year, Massachusetts hosted 82,306 international students who supported more than 35,000 jobs and contributed approximately $3.9 billion annually through tuition, living expenses, and related spending. Additionally, international students bring diverse perspectives that enhance the Commonwealth’s educational environments by fostering global awareness and cross-cultural understanding.

AG Campbell urges the Court to view the SEVP revocation in the larger context of the Trump Administration’s effort to instill fear and punish students and academics for expressing disagreement with the Administration’s policies. The Administration has already targeted Harvard through grant and contract terminations worth billions of dollars and threats to remove the university’s non-profit status.

In submitting her brief, AG Campbell is asking the Court to grant Harvard’s motion for a preliminary injunction, which would prevent the Administration from carrying out the SEVP revocation and would permit international students to remain at Harvard.  

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