Trump Admin Bans Harvard from Enrolling Foreign Students

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the academic world, the Trump administration has officially terminated Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively barring the Ivy League institution from enrolling international students for the 2025–2026 academic year.

The unprecedented decision, announced Thursday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stems from what officials describe as Harvard’s failure to prevent and adequately respond to “pro-terrorist conduct” during recent pro-Palestinian campus protests.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that Harvard’s SEVP status has been revoked, citing the university’s “insufficient, incomplete, and unacceptable” response to federal demands for information regarding Harvard international students allegedly involved in demonstrations that officials claim threatened campus safety and national security.

According to DHS, Harvard failed to comply with federal reporting requirements and refused to hand over protest footage and disciplinary records, prompting immediate administrative action.

“This is not just about protests,” a senior administration official said. “This is about national security. Universities cannot be safe havens for those advocating terrorism or threatening other students.”

The move impacts nearly 6,800 international students, roughly 27% of Harvard’s student body, who now face the possibility of having to transfer to other institutions or risk deportation. DHS has also demanded a full list of foreign students who participated in or supported the controversial protests, raising alarms among civil liberties groups and free speech advocates.

Harvard University has vehemently condemned the action as “unlawful and politically motivated,” accusing the Trump administration of weaponizing immigration law to punish dissent and erode academic freedom. University spokesperson Jason Newton stated, “We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University and this nation immeasurably.”

The administration’s decision comes after months of escalating tensions with Harvard, including the cancellation of $2.65 billion in federal research grants and threats to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status. Harvard has also faced mounting pressure to dismantle its DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) offices and enact reforms in admissions and hiring policies.

Adding to the legal complexity, a federal judge in California issued a nationwide injunction Thursday night, temporarily blocking the enforcement of the DHS order and preventing the deportation of international students pending ongoing litigation. While this provides immediate relief, the long-term status of Harvard’s international program remains in limbo.

Critics argue that the Trump administration’s crackdown represents a dangerous overreach, targeting elite academic institutions under the guise of national security. Supporters, however, applaud the move as a bold stand against institutions they accuse of tolerating extremism under the banner of activism.

The legal battle over Harvard’s student visa program is expected to continue, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation between the federal government and one of the world’s most prestigious universities.