The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, escalating tensions between the federal government and the Ivy League institution.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Harvard is now barred from enrolling foreign students, and existing international students must either transfer or risk losing their legal immigration status.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered the termination of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. This decision follows the university’s refusal to submit conduct records of foreign students requested by DHS last month.
In a letter addressed to Harvard, Noem accused the university of “perpetuating an unsafe campus environment that is hostile to Jewish students, promotes pro-Hamas sympathies, and employs racist diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.”
“This serves as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country,” the DHS statement added.
Harvard has become a focal point in the Trump administration’s effort to pressure elite universities over campus policies, including protests surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, and to eliminate DEI programs the administration labels as discriminatory.
In response, Harvard condemned the move as unlawful, stating it remains committed to supporting its international community, which represents students and scholars from over 140 countries.
“We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community,” said university spokesperson Jason Newton. “This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
Harvard’s international academic population includes 9,970 individuals, with 6,793 international students comprising 27.2% of enrollment for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Members of the university faculty have expressed concern that the policy could erode Harvard’s academic strength and, by extension, weaken American higher education.
The White House responded by stating, “Enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right,” and accused Harvard of fostering an anti-American and anti-Semitic environment.
“Harvard has turned their once-great institution into a hotbed of pro-terrorist agitators. They have failed to take meaningful action, and now they must face the consequences,” said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson.
Harvard economics professor Jason Furman criticized the decision, calling it “horrendous on every level.”
“It is impossible to imagine Harvard without our amazing international students,” Furman said. “They benefit innovation and U.S. global influence. Higher education is one of America’s greatest exports and a pillar of our soft power. I hope this is reversed before irreparable damage is done.”
