The Trump administration has taken significant action against Harvard University, prohibiting the institution from enrolling new international students and forcing existing foreign students to transfer or risk losing their legal status.
Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the revocation of Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, a designation that allows academic institutions to accept foreign students. Noem characterized this move as a clear warning to other universities nationwide.
“Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country,” Noem stated in her announcement.
According to DHS, the revocation stems from what they described as “pro-terrorist conduct,” a claim first reported by The New York Times. Existing international students at Harvard must now transfer out to maintain their legal status as a result of this decision.
Data from the fall 2023 semester shows that international students represented over 27% of Harvard’s total enrollment.
“It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their tuition payments to support their multibillion-dollar endowments. Harvard had ample opportunities to address these concerns,” she added, emphasizing that the institution had failed to act responsibly.
“They have lost their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification due to their disregard for the law,” Noem declared.
This drastic measure coincides with ongoing tensions between the esteemed Ivy League university and the Trump administration, centered on allegations of rising antisemitism within Harvard’s campus community.
In response to the certification revocation, Harvard released a statement asserting that the government’s actions are unlawful. “We are fully committed to preserving Harvard’s capacity to welcome our international students and scholars, who enhance the University and this nation significantly,” the statement declared.
“We are promptly working to provide guidance and support to our community. This retaliatory action poses a serious threat to the Harvard community and undermines the institution’s academic and research mission,” it further noted.
Previously in April, Noem had hinted at the possibility of stripping Harvard of its certification to enroll international students, warning that compliance with federal immigration laws was imperative for the university’s continued eligibility.
That month also saw the administration freeze $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard, shortly after the university dismissed calls to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and evaluate international students based on ideological criteria.
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