The Trump administration has taken significant action against Harvard University, revoking its eligibility to enroll international students, a move that intensifies ongoing tensions between the administration and the esteemed institution.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced via X that the revocation of Harvard’s “Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification” was due to the university’s failure to comply with legal requirements. In her statement, Noem emphasized the broader implications, stating,
“Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”
Harvard’s response and implications for students
In response to the administration’s decision, Harvard University labeled the action as “unlawful” and expressed its commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment for international students and scholars from over 140 countries. A university spokesperson stated,
“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University – and this nation – immeasurably.”
Harvard is now actively working to provide necessary guidance and support to its affected community members. The institution warned that this retaliatory measure poses a serious threat not only to its academic community but also to the nation at large, undermining its fundamental academic and research mission.
Impact on international enrollment
This decision by the Trump administration could potentially disrupt the educational journeys of thousands of international students currently enrolled at Harvard. Last academic year, nearly 7,000 international students comprised about 27.2% of the university’s total student body, according to university statistics.
Moreover, the White House has previously urged Harvard to implement modifications to its hiring, admissions, and teaching practices in an effort to combat antisemitism on campus. In earlier communications, Harvard stated it has already undertaken numerous initiatives to address concerns regarding antisemitism, suggesting that the administration’s demands reflect an attempt to influence the university’s “intellectual conditions.”