The Trump administration has issued a stern warning to Harvard University regarding the potential revocation of its ability to enroll international students, escalating existing tensions over allegations of antisemitism and discrimination on campus.
On Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sent a letter to Harvard, stating that the university’s certification to accept foreign students is “contingent upon” adherence to federal immigration regulations outlined in Title 8.
“Having international students at Harvard is a privilege, not a guarantee,” Noem asserted in her correspondence.
Noem accused the institution of fostering a “hostile learning environment for Jewish students” by failing to adequately denounce antisemitism.
All U.S. educational institutions must maintain certification under the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) in order to enroll international students.
In a press release issued on the same day, the Department of Homeland Security announced that Noem had terminated two grants to Harvard worth a total of $2.7 million, labeling the university “unfit to be entrusted with taxpayer dollars.”
This latest correspondence from the Cabinet Secretary reflects President Donald Trump’s ongoing pattern of imposing demands on Harvard and other prestigious academic institutions, often coupled with threats related to their funding.
Noem explicitly pointed out that a significant portion of Harvard’s funding comes from international students, vital to sustaining the university’s substantial endowment.
As of the fall 2023 semester, international students represented over 27% of the total enrollment at Harvard, according to university data.
The Secretary also indicated that Harvard’s SEVP certification would be automatically rescinded if the institution fails to address a request concerning its student visa holders by April 30.
While some universities have chosen to comply with federal demands—such as Columbia University, which negotiated terms to address $400 million in federal funding cuts—Harvard has resisted the administration’s directives, including calls to eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and to overhaul its hiring and disciplinary practices.
Harvard President Alan Garber criticized the Trump administration for its attempt to exert “direct governmental regulation of the ‘intellectual conditions’ at Harvard” in its demand letter.
In response, the administration paused $2.2 billion in grants and froze $60 million in contracts with the university.
A spokesperson for Harvard confirmed to Finance Newso on Thursday that the institution is aware of Noem’s letter, reiterating that Harvard will neither compromise its independence nor surrender its constitutional rights.
“We maintain our commitment to comply with the law and expect the Administration to uphold the same standards,” the spokesperson added.
The Trump administration has pointed to the heightened protests at various universities criticizing Israel’s actions following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas as justification for its unprecedented scrutiny of higher education institutions.
Noem characterized Harvard’s leadership as “spineless,” claiming that their approach to antisemitism contributes to a climate of extremist protests that jeopardizes national security.
“With the anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology permeating its campus and classrooms, Harvard’s reputation as a leading institution of higher learning is fading,” she stated in the press release. “America has higher expectations for universities that receive taxpayer funding.”
