Trump revokes Harvard’s right to admit international students

The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked Harvard University’s authorization to admit international students, as announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In a public statement on X, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of inciting violence, enabling antisemitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party. Noem stressed that admitting foreign students is a privilege, not a right, and said Harvard failed to correct its behavior despite being given opportunities.

According to a letter sent to Harvard’s leadership, the university’s certification under the Student Exchange Visitor Program has been rescinded. This decision prevents Harvard from enrolling international students and requires current ones to transfer to other institutions to maintain their visa status.

Harvard called the move unlawful and retaliatory, emphasizing its commitment to international scholars from over 140 countries who contribute significantly to the institution and the U.S. Harvard is also engaged in a legal battle, claiming the administration’s actions violate the U.S. Constitution.

This development follows tensions over the university's diversity initiatives and its stance on pro-Palestinian protests. The Trump administration has already cut over $2.6 billion in federal funding and grants to the university. In response, Harvard President Alan Garber urged alumni to support the institution through new fundraising initiatives designed to counter the financial damage.

Immigration lawyer Leon Fresco warned that the decision could hurt both Harvard and its students. He explained that students who cannot attend may reclaim their prepaid tuition, resulting in substantial financial losses for the university. Fresco noted that the administration must provide specific legal grounds for revoking program certification, and politically motivated reasons are not valid under federal regulations.

Noem had previously threatened to take this action unless Harvard disclosed detailed information about alleged unlawful activities by foreign students. Although the university complied with the request, the certification was still revoked. This action is part of a broader federal crackdown on campus protests, particularly those seen as pro-Palestinian. Critics argue the government’s response is politically driven and infringes on academic freedom.

In 2023, over 7,400 U.S. institutions held approval to host international students under the Student Exchange Visitor Program, which the federal government may review at any time.