**Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over Ban on Enrolling International Students**

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in response to a recent federal directive that revokes its ability to enroll international students. The university argues that this action, which affects over 7,000 visa holders, is a clear violation of the First Amendment and other federal laws.

The legal complaint was submitted in a Boston federal court, outlining the "immediate and devastating effect" the directive would have on the university and its foreign students. Harvard claims that the move is retaliatory in nature, aimed at punishing the institution for previously defying political demands from the White House.

This escalation could force more than 6,000 international students currently enrolled at Harvard to either transfer to other universities or lose their legal immigration status, as per the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Harvard has announced its intention to seek a temporary restraining order to halt the DHS from enforcing the directive.

The situation has garnered international attention and concern. The Chinese government criticized the action, stating it would damage the global standing of the United States. In solidarity, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has extended an open invitation to Harvard's international students.

Prominent figures in academia have also voiced their disapproval. Former German health minister and Harvard alumnus Karl Lauterbach described the measure as "research policy suicide." Additionally, Germany's research minister Dorothee Baer labeled the administration's decision as "fatal" and urged for its reversal.

Harvard had anticipated such a move and had already allowed newly admitted foreign students to accept offers from both Harvard and institutions abroad, offering them a contingency plan. Despite these measures, the broader impact on US higher education remains uncertain. Early data indicates a decline in international graduate student enrollment and a significant drop in the number of student visas issued this year.

The hostile climate toward international students has created an environment of fear and uncertainty, compounded by bureaucratic obstacles and funding cuts. While universities aim to mitigate these effects by providing legal aid and discouraging travel during breaks, the unprecedented nature of the administration's actions presents significant challenges to maintaining their academic missions and global standing.