The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s authorization to enroll international students, effective for the 2025–2026 academic year, and has required current foreign students to transfer or face losing their legal status. This decision affects approximately 6,800 international students, or 27% of Harvard’s enrollment .(Reuters)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of fostering violence, antisemitism, and colluding with the Chinese Communist Party. She stated that admitting international students is a privilege, not a right, and that Harvard had failed to meet the administration’s demands .(Reuters)
In response, Harvard criticized the move as unlawful and retaliatory, linking it to the university’s refusal to provide detailed information on foreign students. The university has filed a lawsuit against the administration, asserting its constitutional rights .(Reuters)
This action marks a significant escalation in the administration’s broader campaign against liberal academic institutions. The government had previously frozen over $2 billion in federal funding to Harvard, prompting the university’s legal challenge. Congressional Democrats have denounced the crackdown, viewing it as an assault on academic freedom .(Reuters)
A recent court ruling also challenged Trump’s efforts to terminate foreign students’ legal status without due process. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services cut $60 million in grants to Harvard over allegations of antisemitism. Immigration advocates warn that the policy unjustly harms thousands of students and is politically motivated .(Reuters)
