The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, forcing thousands to transfer or risk losing legal status. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the university of fostering antisemitism and ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Harvard called the move unlawful retaliation and vowed to fight back, while the administration warned other universities, they could be next.
Harvard’s Foreign Student Program Terminated
The move affects thousands of students and marks a sharp escalation in the administration’s broader crackdown on elite universities. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the department had terminated Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification for the 2025–2026 academic year. Noem further emphasized that it is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll international students and benefit from their higher tuition payments.
Harvard decried the decision as unlawful retaliation and pledged to fight the move in court. In its statement, the university explained that this retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and the country at large and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.
Allegations of Foreign Influence and Campus Activism
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the revocation followed Harvard’s refusal to provide detailed records of international students, including video and audio of protest activity over the past five years.
In a letter to Harvard, Noem stated that the university could regain certification by complying with the records demand within 72 hours. Harvard officials rejected the ultimatum and emphasized the importance of academic independence and student rights.
Nearly 7,000 Students Affected
During the 2024–2025 academic year, Harvard enrolled nearly 6,800 international students, making up over 27% of its student body. The largest contingent came from China, followed by students from Canada, India, South Korea, and other countries. The Chinese Embassy has not yet commented on the development.
Trump’s Long-Running Feud with Elite Universities
The move is the latest in a series of attacks by the Trump administration on Ivy League institutions. Trump has frequently criticized Harvard and other universities for promoting what he calls radical left ideologies. In recent weeks, the administration froze $3 billion in federal grants to Harvard and terminated an additional $60 million in public health funding over allegations of antisemitic harassment.
Trump’s allies argue that the measures are necessary to restore accountability and protect national interests. However, legal experts and immigration advocates say the administration’s actions may violate regulatory processes and academic freedoms.
Democratic Lawmakers, Legal Challenges Push Back
Congressional Democrats swiftly condemned the move. Rep. Jamie Raskin called it an intolerable attack on Harvard’s independence and academic freedom, suggesting the revocation was retaliation for Harvard’s prior resistance to Trump’s demands.
Separately, a federal judge ruled Thursday that the administration could not revoke international students’ legal status without following proper regulatory procedures. It remains unclear how this ruling will affect the action against Harvard specifically.
Broader Crackdown on U.S. Universities Underway
The Trump administration has made immigration and campus activism focal points of its second-term agenda, pushing forward with efforts to identify and remove students who allegedly pose national security risks or engage in protests deemed hostile to U.S. interests.
Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Ban on Harvard’s Foreign Students
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from halting Harvard’s enrollment of international students, calling the move unconstitutional. Harvard argued the ban, which affects over 7,000 foreign students, was retaliation for defying political pressure. The court ruling averts immediate academic and legal fallout, though Harvard warns lasting damage to its global reputation and student recruitment may follow.
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