Universities Take Washington to Court Over New Limits on Student Internships

3. Who are the defendants?
ICE, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, per The PIE News.

4. Where was it filed?
In the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, according to Carnegie Mellon.

5. What is being challenged?
Two SEVP broadcast messages sent to universities in August 2026.

6. What is the new interpretation of CPT?
According to the complaint, CPT would apply only when the experience is required of all students in a program.

7. Which universities have restricted CPT?
Higher Ed Dive reports that Columbia, Michigan State and Tufts have narrowed authorizations, and The Harvard Crimson reports that Harvard has halted them.

8. Why are schools complying so quickly?
They fear losing SEVP certification, which would bar them from enrolling international students.

9. What should current CPT students do?
Contact their designated school official, keep course and training records, and watch for updates from their university’s international office.

Sources & further readings

1. The PIE News. “US associations sue over ICE changes to international student internships.” thepienews.com
2. Carnegie Mellon University, Office of International Education. “Higher Education Groups File Lawsuit Challenging CPT Changes,” October 8, 2026. cmu.edu/oie
3. Higher Ed Dive. “DHS sued over guidance restricting training program for international students.” highereddive.com
4. The Harvard Crimson. “Groups Tied to Harvard Sue DHS Over New Limits on International Student Internships,” October 6, 2026. thecrimson.com
5. Bloomberg Tax, Daily Labor Report. “ICE policy tightening student work option challenged by colleges.” news.bloombergtax.com
6. RN Law Group. “A Case to Watch: Universities Challenge SEVP’s New Restrictions on Curricular Practical Training.” rnlawgroup.com
7. Envoy Global. “Lawsuit Challenges ICE CPT Restrictions for International Student Internships.” envoyglobal.com