WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s certification to enroll international students, a move that has ignited controversy and drawn swift condemnation from the university.
In a letter issued by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Harvard was informed that its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification was “revoked effective immediately.”
Noem stated via social media that the decision was driven by Harvard’s alleged failure to address issues of “violence, antisemitism, and coordination with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.”
“It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments,” she wrote. “Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused. They have lost their SEVP certification as a result of their failure to adhere to the law.” Noem added that the action should serve as a warning to other academic institutions nationwide.
Harvard Denounces Action as ‘Unlawful’
Harvard University issued a strong rebuttal, calling the Department of Homeland Security’s decision “unlawful” and reaffirming its commitment to its international student body, which includes students from over 140 countries.
University officials indicated that a legal challenge is likely. This would mark the second lawsuit filed by Harvard against the administration in recent weeks, following an earlier case contesting federal attempts to influence its curriculum, admissions, and hiring policies.
The revocation follows a tense exchange between Harvard and DHS. In mid-April, the university submitted disciplinary records of international students in response to a DHS request but declined to disclose what information was shared. On April 16, DHS sent a letter demanding details about foreign students’ campus activities, including participation in protests. At the time, Secretary Noem warned the university that failure to comply could lead to the loss of SEVP certification.
Harvard has not confirmed whether it fully complied with the federal demands. The university’s legal response is expected to challenge the constitutionality and motives behind the administration’s actions.
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