On May 22, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump took the significant step of revoking Harvard University’s authorization to enroll international students. This decision also impacts current foreign students, who are now being compelled to either transfer to different institutions or risk losing their legal status in the country. Additionally, there are indications that this crackdown may extend to other universities.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination of Harvard’s certification for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which will take effect for the 2025-2026 academic year. In her statement, Noem accused Harvard of promoting violence, antisemitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party.
In response, Harvard labeled the administration’s actions as illegal and retaliatory, asserting that they would affect thousands of students. This decision represents a notable intensification of the Trump administration’s ongoing campaign against Harvard, a prestigious Ivy League institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which has become a frequent target for Trump. The move followed Harvard’s refusal to share information that Noem had requested regarding certain foreign student visa holders.
According to university data, Harvard had nearly 6,800 international students enrolled in the 2024-2025 academic year, which constituted approximately 27% of its total student population, highlighting the significant role that international students play within the university’s community.
