Move is most severe escalation yet in weeks-long dispute with the university. Plus, Trump seeks to end basic rights for child immigrants in custody

Good morning.

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s ability to register international students and has ordered current foreign Harvard students to transfer or lose their legal status, sending shockwaves through academia.

How has Harvard responded? A Harvard spokesperson called the government’s action “unlawful” in a statement to the Guardian on Thursday.

What is the justice department’s argument? It argued in a court motion on Thursday that the Flores agreement should be “completely” terminated, claiming it has encouraged unauthorised border crossings and stopped the government from “effectively” deporting immigrant families. Rights groups called it “unconscionable”.