California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting Harvard University’s legal challenge to the Trump Administration’s decision to bar international students from entering the United States to attend the university. The action, led by Bonta and his counterparts, asks the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit to uphold a lower court’s preliminary injunction that prevents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from enforcing these student visa restrictions.
“The Trump Administration’s attacks against Harvard are unlawful, retaliatory, and fundamentally incompatible with the rule of law,” said Attorney General Bonta. “But it’s not just an attack on Harvard, it’s an attack on our higher education system, which depends on international students to remain globally competitive. California stands with Harvard in challenging these attacks on academic independence and integrity.”
International students play a significant role at American colleges and universities by contributing tuition and living expenses that support local economies and jobs nationwide. They also pay higher tuition rates at public institutions, which can help subsidize reduced rates for in-state students from lower-income backgrounds. In addition to their financial contributions, international students bring diverse perspectives that foster innovation and enhance research across campuses.
The administration’s actions began with revoking Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). After a district court blocked this move, officials issued a proclamation suspending entry for any international student attending Harvard on F or J visas.
In their brief, the attorneys general argue that allowing these policies would set a precedent enabling similar measures against other universities. They point out statements from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggesting other schools could face similar treatment if they do not comply with federal demands regarding governance, hiring practices, admissions policies, or curriculum.
Attorney General Bonta has previously participated in legal efforts defending free speech rights for students and faculty affected by immigration policy changes under the Trump Administration. This includes supporting lawsuits challenging executive orders tied to visa revocations based on political expression or association.
Bonta is joined in this latest filing by attorneys general representing Massachusetts, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont Washington and the District of Columbia.
As California’s chief law enforcement authority,the Attorney General oversees statewide law enforcement, consumer protection efforts and civil rights initiatives while providing legal representation for state agencies.
