The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s certification to enroll international students, citing alleged non-compliance with federal requests and accusations of fostering an unsafe environment. The decision, announced on May 22, 2025, by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, immediately bars Harvard from accepting new international students and places the status of nearly 6,800 current foreign enrollees in jeopardy.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused Harvard of failing to comply with extensive records requests, including detailed information about foreign students and their activities. Secretary Noem stated that the university was fostering violence, promoting antisemitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus. These allegations have been made without concrete evidence, raising concerns about the politicization of educational institutions.
The administration’s demands included governance overhauls, measures to combat antisemitism, audits of faculty and students for viewpoint diversity, and data on foreign student misconduct. Harvard’s partial compliance was deemed insufficient, leading to the revocation of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.
Harvard University has strongly rebuked the decision, labeling it as unlawful and damaging to its mission. The university emphasized its commitment to maintaining the ability to host international students and scholars, stating that the retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and undermines its academic and research mission.
In response to the administration’s actions, Harvard has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, arguing that the freezing of funds and revocation of SEVP certification are unconstitutional and infringe upon the university’s independence.
The revocation directly affects approximately 6,800 international students at Harvard, including 788 Indian students. These students now face the possibility of having to transfer to other educational institutions or risk losing their legal status to remain in the U.S.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the government’s attempts to detain affected students, providing a brief respite. However, the uncertainty surrounding their status has caused widespread anxiety among the international student community. Many students are exploring options to continue their education in other countries, such as the United Kingdom.
The decision has drawn criticism from international communities, particularly China, which has pledged to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its overseas students and scholars. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticized the U.S. action, stating it would harm the United States’ international image and credibility.
Reuters
China emphasized that educational cooperation between the two countries is mutually beneficial and that politicizing educational exchanges undermines this relationship. The move is likely to further strain U.S.-China relations, particularly in the realm of academic exchange and international education.
The revocation of Harvard’s SEVP certification is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to pressure elite universities into aligning with its policies. This includes recent cuts to federal funding and threats to revoke tax-exempt status.
Higher education associations have expressed concern over the long-term consequences of these enforcement actions. International students contribute significantly to the U.S. economy and play a vital role in the country’s scientific infrastructure. The uncertainty and perceived hostility may deter future international enrollment, threatening the financial stability and global competitiveness of U.S. institutions.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the justification and legality of the administration’s actions, suggesting they may face significant legal challenges. The move risks diplomatic tensions and might prompt retaliatory actions from other countries, potentially harming international academic collaboration and the U.S.’s reputation as a hub for global education.
