Trump Threatens To Strip Harvard’s Ability To Enroll International Students

Photo: Harvard University President Alan Garbar

India-West News Desk

BOSTON, MA – The Trump administration has issued a stark warning to Harvard University –  comply with demands for information on international students or lose the ability to enroll them altogether.

On April 16, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sent a letter to Harvard demanding detailed records of international students’ “illegal and violent activities.” According to a Department of Homeland Security news release, the university has until April 30 to comply or face immediate revocation of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification.

The SEVP certification is essential for Harvard to issue the documents that allow foreign students to apply for U.S. visas. As of the 2024–25 academic year, Harvard hosts 6,793 international students, making up 27.2% of its total enrollment.

This move is part of a broader clampdown by the administration, which recently froze more than $2 billion in multi-year grants and contracts to Harvard over what it claims is the university’s failure to implement White House–mandated policy changes.

A Harvard spokesperson acknowledged receiving the DHS letter, saying the university “will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.” A statement added: “We will continue to comply with the law and expect the Administration to do the same. If federal action is taken against a member of our community, we expect it will be based on clear evidence, follow established legal procedures, and respect the constitutional rights afforded to all individuals.”

The DHS letter also accused Harvard of fostering a “hostile learning environment” for Jewish students, stating, “It is a privilege to have foreign students attend Harvard University, not a guarantee.” The department has demanded records detailing any threats posed by visa holders, any disruptions to campus activities, and any disciplinary actions linked to protests or threats against students or university personnel.

The administration’s statement concluded: “It is time for elite universities to take the problem seriously and commit to meaningful change if they wish to continue receiving taxpayer support.”