MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

US Gov't bans Harvard from enrolling foreign students

“It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students,” Noem argued

The US Government of President Donald Trump has revoked Harvard University's authorization to enroll international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), affecting nearly 6,800 international individuals (27% of the 2024-25 student body) who must now transfer or lose legal status in the US, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced.

“Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students, and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” Noem wrote in a letter to Harvard President Alan Garber. “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”

The official cited Harvard’s alleged failure to address antisemitism, violence, and ties to the Chinese Communist Party on campus, as well as its refusal to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

“It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments,” Noem argued on social networks and gave Harvard 72 hours to turn over all disciplinary records for non-immigrant students from the past five years, along with any electronic records, video, or audio documenting their “illegal, dangerous, or violent” activity on campus, so that its SEVP certification can be reinstated. The administration also froze US$ 2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard as part of a broader review of US$ 9 billion in public grants.

Harvard denounced the move as unlawful and retaliatory, arguing it harms its academic mission and global reputation, and is preparing a legal challenge while supporting affected students. The decision follows the administration’s broader campaign against elite universities, including threats to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status.

Harvard has argued that the administration’s actions seriously harm the university’s academic mission and global reputation. “We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University – and this nation – immeasurably,” said Harvard Spokesperson Jason Newton in a statement.

”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,” he added.