WASHINGTON (TNND) — Harvard University is suing the Trump administration over its decision to ban the school from enrolling international students.

The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in Boston, claiming the move is an unconstitutional retaliation for defying the White House’s political demands.

“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 in its suit.

Harvard said the government’s action violates the First Amendment and will have an “immediate and devastating effect for Harvard and more than 7,000 visa holders.”

The college is asking the judge to immediately block the order.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the ban on Thursday, stating, "This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus."

"Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country," she added.

Noem shared a letter addressed to Harvard, explaining the decision was due to the school’s “insufficient response” to the administration’s requests to limit the power of students and faculty over its actions and to immediately report foreign students who violate campus conduct. She noted, however, the school may regain its certification by supplying DHS with criminal records relating to “nonimmigrant” students at the school.

Harvard told The National News Desk (TNND) it believes the move violates the law.

"The government’s action is unlawful.," a spokesperson wrote via email "We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University – and this nation – immeasurably. We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”

The ban follows the Trump administration pausing approximately $2.2 billion in federal funding to the school, vowing to revoke its tax-exempt status and barring the college from federal research grants.

"We are going to be taking away Harvard’s Tax Exempt Status. It’s what they deserve!" President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social.

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Editor's note: The National News Desk's Jackson Walker contributed to this article.