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Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling international students
Harvard refused to share foreign student conduct records

Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling international students

May 23, 2025
09:26 am

What's the story

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, a move announced by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered the revocation of Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification (SEVP) after Harvard refused to comply with the DHS's request for foreign student conduct records requested last month.

Student impact

Harvard's international student body faces uncertainty

The decision affects a significant portion of Harvard's international student population, which constituted 27.2% of its enrollment in the 2024-25 academic year. The university is home to 6,793 international students and has a total international academic population of 9,970 from over 140 countries. This move has thrown these students into confusion and anxiety about their future at the institution.

Accusations leveled

White House accuses Harvard of anti-American activities

Announcing the decision, the White House said that "enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right" and accused Harvard leadership of turning "their once-great institution into a hotbed of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators." "They have repeatedly failed to take action to address the widespread problems negatively impacting American students and now they must face the consequences of their actions," White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told CNN.

University response

Harvard condemns revocation as 'unlawful' and retaliatory

Harvard has condemned the revocation as "unlawful," saying it threatens serious harm to both the university and the country. The university argues that many of the administration's requests go beyond federal authority and violate constitutional rights. It said it is "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."

Conflict

Harvard is also facing other retaliatory measures

Harvard is also facing other retaliatory measures from the Trump administration, including a freeze on $2.2 billion in federal funds and plans to revoke its tax-exempt status. Harvard and Trump officials have been at odds for months, with the administration demanding that the university make changes to campus programming, policies, employment, and admissions to combat on-campus antisemitism and eradicate what it labels "racist 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' practices."