Cambridge, MA — May 23, 2025
In a stunning move with global implications, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked Harvard University’s ability to admit international students, effective immediately. The decision affects over 27% of the university’s student population and follows rising tensions between Harvard and former President Donald Trump.
The revocation, announced Thursday in a letter from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, cites Harvard’s alleged failure to comply with federal requirements concerning admissions and hiring practices. According to the letter, Harvard has “lost the privilege” of enrolling foreign students due to noncompliance, promotion of a “hostile environment” for Jewish students, and the use of diversity policies the administration deems discriminatory.
This is among the most severe actions taken against a major U.S. academic institution and underscores the Trump administration’s increasing crackdown on higher education policies it sees as politically biased or ideologically extreme.
Harvard has not yet released a formal response. The decision could significantly disrupt the academic and cultural environment of the university and damage its reputation on the global stage.
The conflict comes amid broader national debates over free speech on campus, diversity initiatives, and the role of international students in American universities. Trump, who has been vocal in his criticism of Ivy League institutions, had previously accused Harvard of promoting “woke” ideologies and failing to protect Jewish students, urging federal oversight.
The SEVIS certification, essential for enrolling foreign students, is administered by DHS and is a requirement for issuing student visas.
