Harvard University has declared it will “not surrender its independence,” responding to the Trump administration’s renewed threats to restrict foreign student enrollment and cut federal funding.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Harvard could lose its ability to enroll foreign students if it fails to meet demands to share information on certain visa holders. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem also revealed the termination of two grants totaling over $2.7 million to the university.
Noem issued a letter to Harvard demanding records regarding what she described as the “illegal and violent activities” of the university’s foreign student visa holders, setting a deadline of April 30. “If Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” Noem stated.
A Harvard spokesperson acknowledged receipt of Noem’s letter concerning grant cancellations and scrutiny of foreign student visas. The university reiterated its stance to “not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights” while affirming it will comply with the law.
The Trump administration recently announced it is reviewing $9 billion in federal contracts and grants awarded to Harvard. It also called for specific restrictions—including a mask ban and the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs—for the university to continue receiving federal funds. Harvard rejected these demands earlier this week.
In response, President Donald Trump threatened to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status. Reports indicate that the Internal Revenue Service is planning to rescind the university’s tax exemption, with a final decision expected soon. Harvard has argued there is no legal basis for such action, warning it could diminish financial aid for students and jeopardize critical medical research programs.
Human rights advocates have expressed concerns over free speech and academic freedom amid the government’s crackdown. The Trump administration has similarly frozen or canceled funding for other prestigious institutions, including Columbia, Princeton, Brown, Cornell, and Northwestern universities.
Columbia University, which was involved in pro-Palestinian protests last year, lost $400 million in federal funding last month. University officials are currently negotiating with the administration to have the funding reinstated.
The administration’s actions come in the wake of pro-Palestinian campus protests against Israel’s military operations in Gaza following a deadly October 2023 attack by Hamas militants. President Trump has labeled the protesters as foreign policy threats, accusing them of being antisemitic and sympathetic to Hamas.
Protesters, including some Jewish groups, contend that the administration is wrongly conflating their advocacy for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israel’s actions with support for extremism and antisemitism. The Trump administration is also reportedly attempting to deport some foreign protesters and has revoked hundreds of visas nationwide.
