The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s certification to enroll international students on May 22, 2025, effectively barring the institution from hosting foreign scholars under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem accused Harvard of fostering a “hostile environment for Jewish students,” promoting “pro-Hamas sympathies,” and maintaining “racist” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. She also cited the university’s refusal to comply with federal requests for records on alleged illegal activities by foreign students.
Harvard, which had 6,800 international students comprising 27% of its student body in the 2024–25 academic year, condemned the decision as “unlawful and retaliatory.” The university vowed to legally challenge the move and support affected students, who now face deportation or forced transfers once a temporary federal court injunction expires. International students, who pay higher tuition rates, contribute significantly to Harvard’s $53 billion endowment and subsidize domestic scholarships and research.
Broader Political Campaign Against Academia
The revocation amplifies the administration’s ongoing campaign against universities it accuses of promoting “anti-American” and “radical left” ideologies. Previous demands included dismantling DEI programs, government oversight of admissions, and audits of faculty viewpoints. Harvard President Alan Garber rejected these measures as unconstitutional, stating, “No government has the right to dictate who private universities admit or hire.” In retaliation, the administration suspended $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard and threatened its tax-exempt status.
Financial and Academic Fallout
The decision jeopardizes Harvard’s global standing and financial stability. International students contribute $44 billion annually to the U.S. economy, with elite institutions like Harvard relying on their tuition to fund operations. Legal experts warn the move sets a precedent for federal overreach into academic autonomy, with protracted litigation expected.
Some Jewish students and advocacy groups criticized the administration’s framing of antisemitism concerns as politically motivated. “We are being used as pawns in a broader agenda,” said one student, echoing fears that genuine grievances are being instrumentalized to advance ideological policies.