The Trump administration has told Harvard's foreign students that they must transfer to other schools or they will lose their legal permission to be in the US. They will now have to scramble to figure out their next steps.

Agencies Washington

Harvard University sued the Trump administration on Friday over its decision to revoke the Ivy League school's ability to enroll foreign students, ratcheting up White House efforts to conform practices in academia to President Donald Trump's policies.

In a complaint filed in Boston federal court, Harvard called the revocation a "blatant violation" of the U.S. Constitution and other federal laws, and had an "immediate and devastating effect" on the university and more than 7,000 visa holders. "With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission," Harvard said.

"Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard," the 389-year-old school added. Harvard asked a federal judge to block the revocation, citing "the immediate and irreparable harm inflicted by this lawless action." The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed the lawsuit. "If only Harvard cared this much about ending the scourge of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators on their campus they wouldn't be in this situation to begin with," Jackson said.

TAKING A TOLL

- Many students' post-graduation plans, including job offers and internships, hinge on visa status, which is now in jeopardy.

- The psychological stress of having plans disrupted — especially after years of effort and significant investment — is immense.

- Future international applicants may reconsider the US as a destination, leading to diminished cultural exchange and academic diversity.

Who are affected?

- Harvard enrolls nearly6,800internationalstudents, making up 27% of the alumni representing over 140 countries.  Currently, 788 students arefrom India.

- Students who completed their degrees this semester will be allowed to graduate. The changes would take effect for the 2025-2026 academic year. Harvard's Class of 2025 is expected to graduate next week.

- Students who are yet to complete their degree need to transfer to another university.

Educational institutions are required to have Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVP) certification with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in order to admit applicants who have an F-1 or M-1 student visa. International students at institutions that have lost their SEVP certification are typically allowed to try to transfer to a different certified school before they must leave the country.