In a significant escalation of tensions between the White House and Harvard University, the administration of President Donald Trump has revoked the institution’s authorization to enroll foreign students, a move that impacts more than a quarter of its student body.
The decision was announced Thursday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who stated in a letter to the university that Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was being rescinded “effective immediately.” SEVIS is the system that allows foreign nationals to study in the United States.
The revocation follows a standoff between the federal government and Harvard, with the Trump administration demanding increased oversight into the university’s admissions and hiring practices. President Trump has accused Harvard of fostering a politically liberal environment and being uncooperative with federal efforts to address what he claims is anti-Semitic and ideologically biased behavior on campus.
Secretary Noem cited Harvard’s “refusal to comply with multiple requests for information” and claimed the university maintained “an unsafe campus environment,” referencing alleged hostility toward Jewish students and support for pro-Hamas sentiment. She also criticized the school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
“Enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right,” Noem wrote. “All institutions must meet DHS requirements, including full compliance with SEVIS regulations, to retain that privilege.”
According to university data, international students accounted for over 27% of Harvard’s total enrollment during the 2024–25 academic year.
Harvard has not yet issued a public response to the decision.
