The Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, escalating tensions between the government and the prestigious Ivy League institution.
Homeland Security accused Harvard of fostering violence and antisemitism, leading to the termination of its student certification program.
Harvard denounced the move as unlawful and retaliatory, vowing to support affected students while challenging the decision.
The Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students on May 22, forcing thousands of existing foreign students to either transfer to other institutions or risk losing their legal status, the Department of Homeland Security announced.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered the termination of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, citing concerns about the university’s alleged ties with the Chinese Communist Party and accusations of fostering antisemitism and violence, AFP and Reuters reported.
“It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments,” Noem stated.
Harvard calls decision unlawful and retaliatory.
Harvard swiftly condemned the decision, arguing that the Trump administration’s move was illegal and politically motivated. The university emphasized its commitment to international education and pledged to support affected students.
“The government’s action is unlawful,” Harvard stated. “This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
Growing tensions between Harvard and Trump administration.
The clampdown marks a significant escalation of President Donald Trump’s campaign against Harvard, which has been a frequent target of criticism from the Republican leader. The administration previously demanded information on specific foreign student visa holders, which Harvard refused to provide. Harvard currently enrolls nearly 6,800 international students, making up 27 percent of its total enrollment, according to the university’s records for the 2024-2025 academic year.
