The Trump administration has halted Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students, insisting that thousands of students must transfer to other universities, or leave the US.
On Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered the department to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. The move will put pressure on a crucial funding source for the university and build on previous funding cuts.
In a statement, Noem accused Harvard of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party”.
Harvard enrolled nearly 6800 international students in the 2024-2025 school year. This equates to about 27 per cent of its student body. International students at Harvard come from over 100 countries.
This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 22, 2025
It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments… pic.twitter.com/12hJWd1J86
The move comes after a request from Noem on April 16 that demanded Harvard share information about foreign students that might implicate them in violence or protests. Harvard did not provide this information.
“Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country,” Noem said on Thursday.
Harvard claims action is ‘unlawful’
In a statement, Harvard said the US government’s action was unlawful.
“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,” it said.
“We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
Harvard is the oldest and most prestigious university in the US. Under the Trump administration, it has faced the freezing of $3 billion in federal grants.
The government has also demanded Harvard make changes to hiring, admissions and teaching practices. Last month, Harvard renamed its diversity, equity and inclusion office.
In her letter to the university on Thursday, Noem said Harvard must comply with a list of demands if it wishes to enrol international students again. One of these demands was for all disciplinary records for non-immigrant students enrolled at Harvard over the past five years.
She gave Harvard 72 hours to comply.