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The Trump administration on Thursday revoked Harvard University’s certification to enroll international students, a dramatic move that threatens the legal status of thousands of scholars and deepens an ongoing clash over free speech, academic governance, and federal oversight.
The action, announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, follows Harvard’s refusal to comply with sweeping demands from the White House Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. Those demands included federal approval of hiring and admissions decisions, as well as ideological audits of faculty — requirements the university has rejected as unconstitutional.
“Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country,” Noem said in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter).
She accused Harvard of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.”
Key Developments:
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Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification terminated
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Nearly 6,800 international students impacted
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$2 billion in federal research funding already cut
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72-hour deadline for Harvard to turn over protest and student conduct records
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Legal battle underway over what Harvard calls “unlawful retaliation”
The termination of SEVP certification bars Harvard from issuing I-20 forms, which international students require to obtain U.S. visas. Those already enrolled must transfer to another institution or face deportation, unless the order is overturned.
Harvard Responds: “Unlawful and Unprecedented”
Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton said the university is exploring legal options and warned of “severe and far-reaching consequences” for both students and American higher education.
“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,” Newton said.
The university has already filed a federal lawsuit to recover the $2 billion in lost research funding, and the new action is expected to be challenged in court within days.
DHS Demands and Deadline
The Department of Homeland Security says the decision was based on Harvard’s “inadequate cooperation” with requests for records about potential misconduct among foreign students.
According to a letter sent Thursday by Secretary Noem, Harvard must — within 72 hours — provide:
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All records involving “dangerous, threatening or illegal activity” by international students since 2020
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All audio/video footage of campus protest activity involving international students over the past five years
Failure to comply, the letter states, will prevent Harvard from enrolling foreign students for the 2025 fall semester and beyond.
A Broader Ideological Fight
Critics have accused the Trump administration of weaponizing federal authority to impose ideological control over higher education institutions.
The standoff began after campus protests, many related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, prompted the White House to accuse elite universities of tolerating antisemitism. The White House Task Force then issued controversial reform mandates, including:
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Federal approval of faculty hires
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A ban on speakers or faculty with “anti-American ideology”
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Restrictions on the admission of students with “hostile foreign affiliations”
Harvard has refused to comply, calling the demands a violation of academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
What’s Next?
Legal experts say the move could set a precedent with massive implications for international education in the U.S. and the relationship between universities and the federal government.
“This crosses into dangerous territory,” said civil liberties attorney Maya Holmes. “Using immigration authority to enforce political compliance should alarm every American.”
