Officials said Homeland Security used up to 20 employees to run the names of 1.3 million foreign-born students through a computerized index that includes criminal history information.

Across the US, international students faced sudden visa revocations and status terminations, prompting legal challenges. Federal officials initially restored their status but then introduced new guidelines allowing quicker deportations based on broader criteria,

“In our response, the University reiterated our steadfast commitment to sponsor the visas that facilitate our international students’ study at Harvard,” read the letter from Executive Vice President Meredith Weenick. She said the university made it “clear” that it doesn’t seek to withdraw from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.