Trump Moves to Block Foreign Student Enrollment at Harvard

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s certification to enroll international students, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The decision could force hundreds of students to transfer and sends a clear message: universities won’t be immune from political pressure.

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision on X (formerly Twitter), saying Harvard is being punished for “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.” She added, “It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enrol foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments.”

What This Means for Students

The DHS has revoked Harvard’s Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which means the university can no longer accept or host international students on student visas. Those already enrolled at Harvard must now transfer to another SEVP-approved school to stay in the U.S. legally.

Harvard has slammed the decision, calling it “unlawful” and a “retaliatory action.” The university insists it remains committed to its international community and is actively fighting the decision in court.

A Political Flashpoint

This move is the latest escalation in an ongoing standoff between the Trump administration and Harvard. The university has resisted federal demands related to its diversity programs and handling of pro-Palestinian protests. In response, the administration has already slashed more than $2.6 billion in grants and federal funding, most recently on Monday.

According to immigration attorney Leon Fresco, this action isn’t just a political stunt, it has serious legal and financial consequences. “If the foreign students cannot attend the university, they get their tuition payments back that they’ve already paid,” he told Al Jazeera. “Harvard was relying on that money.”

He added that the administration may have overstepped: “This kind of revocation must be tied to violations of the SEVP rules. It can’t be based on ideology.”

Why Now?

Back in April, Noem had threatened this exact move. She gave Harvard until April 30 to hand over documents related to alleged “illegal and violent activities” by foreign students. The university reportedly complied but didn’t release details publicly.

This all comes amid a larger effort by the Trump administration to crack down on college campuses seen as unfriendly to conservative values. A joint task force created early in Trump’s term has grown to influence everything from faculty hiring to curriculum oversight. Trump himself has accused universities of pushing “anti-Trump” agendas.

What’s Next?

Harvard is expected to continue its legal battle, arguing that the revocation is unconstitutional and politically motivated. Meanwhile, the fate of hundreds of international students hangs in the balance, and other universities are watching closely, wondering if they might be next.

With over 7,400 schools in the U.S. certified to host international students under the SEVP, this action could signal broader changes ahead. For now, Harvard is standing its ground but it’s clear the fight is far from over.