The Trump administration on Thursday revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, effectively barring the prestigious institution from enrolling new international students.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision, stating, “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country. Enrolling international students is a privilege—not a right—and that privilege has been revoked due to Harvard’s repeated failure to comply with federal law.”
The DHS added that existing foreign students must transfer or risk losing their legal status. Noem mentioned that similar measures are being considered for other universities.
Harvard Responds
In response, Harvard University issued a statement condemning the administration’s action as unlawful and harmful. The university emphasized its commitment to hosting international students and scholars who “enrich the University—and this nation—immeasurably.”
“We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community,” the statement read. “This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
Ongoing Conflict
Harvard has been in a months-long conflict with the Trump administration, which has pressured the university to reform its campus programming, policies, hiring, and admissions processes. The administration has called for a crackdown on antisemitism and the removal of what it refers to as “racist ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ practices.”
In April, officials sent a letter demanding “meaningful governance reform and restructuring,” threatening to cut federal funding. Harvard rejected these demands, with President Alan M. Garber stating, “The University will not negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights.”
Subsequently, the administration froze $2.2 billion in federal grants after Harvard refused to eliminate diversity programs and declined to evaluate international students for ideological concerns. Harvard filed a lawsuit against the administration, accusing it of attempting to manipulate academic decisions by withholding federal funds.
Impact on International Students
The revocation of certification leaves Harvard’s large international student community facing significant uncertainty. According to reports, international students account for 27.2 percent of total enrollment for the 2024–25 academic year.
“Many of us have worked our entire lives to get to a university like Harvard, and now we have to wait and see if we might have to transfer and face difficulties with visas,” said junior student Karl Molden of Austria.
Faculty members expressed concern that removing international students would weaken the university’s academic strength and undermine American higher education. Economics professor Jason Furman called the decision “horrendous on every level.”
Broader Implications
The administration’s actions come amid heightened scrutiny over alleged antisemitic sentiments on campuses, following pro-Palestinian protests at universities across the country.
The Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism stated, “The disruption of learning that has plagued campuses in recent years is unacceptable. The harassment of Jewish students is intolerable.”
Other universities, including Columbia University, Cornell University, and Northwestern University, have also faced funding cuts and investigations.
As universities navigate these challenges, thousands of international students remain uncertain about their futures in the United States.
