Harvard Barred from Enrolling International Students Amid Trump Administration Crackdown

In a sweeping move that could impact thousands of international scholars, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stripped Harvard University of its authority to host foreign students, accusing the institution of enabling antisemitic attacks and harboring ties to China’s military establishment.

The decision, announced Thursday, immediately suspends Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is required for issuing student visas to non-U.S. nationals. DHS officials say nearly 6,800 international students—who currently make up more than 25% of Harvard’s student body—will be forced to transfer or risk deportation.

“This means Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students, and those currently enrolled must either transfer to another institution or leave the United States,” DHS stated.

The administration’s action stems from what it described as a “pattern of negligence” on Harvard’s part, including its alleged failure to protect Jewish students from harassment and violence during campus protests. Officials also cited unverified claims that the university recently hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary organization—charges Harvard firmly denies.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sent a formal notice to the university demanding extensive documentation related to its foreign students, including audio, video, and written records of those involved in any on-campus demonstrations or security incidents. Harvard has been given 72 hours to comply if it wants its student visa privileges reinstated.

“This is the unfortunate consequence of Harvard’s refusal to meet straightforward reporting obligations,” Noem wrote in her letter to university administrators. “We will not allow any academic institution—no matter how elite—to be complicit in violence, antisemitism, or foreign state coordination on American soil.”

This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.

It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments… pic.twitter.com/12hJWd1J86

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 22, 2025

Harvard University issued a sharp rebuttal, calling the move “legally indefensible and deeply harmful.” In a written statement, the university said it is working urgently to provide clarity and support for affected students, while preparing to challenge the revocation through legal channels.

“This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to our international students, our academic mission, and America’s standing as a global leader in higher education and research,” the university said. “Harvard does not and will not tolerate violence or antisemitism, and we categorically deny the baseless allegations being used to justify this punitive measure.”

The policy reversal comes amid escalating political tensions around campus protests and foreign influence in academia. Experts warn the decision could chill the United States’ long-standing reputation as a premier destination for global talent, particularly in science, technology, and innovation.

According to the Institute of International Education, over 1 million international students were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities in 2023–24, contributing nearly $38 billion to the U.S. economy. Harvard’s international students alone hail from over 100 countries, with a significant portion pursuing graduate and research degrees.