Harvard University is being made to put a bar on international students.
On Thursday, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, marking a significant consequence for the institution due to its refusal to comply with certain policy demands from the administration. The US Department of Homeland Security released a statement indicating that Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students, and existing foreign students must either transfer or risk losing their legal status.
What happened?
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem directed her department to terminate Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, citing the university’s refusal to provide conduct records for foreign students as requested by the DHS in the previous month. The White House emphasized that “enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right,” accusing Harvard’s leadership of transforming the university into a center of what it described as anti-American and anti-Semitic sentiment.
While Harvard stands out among numerous US universities facing similar pressures, emerging as a strong advocate for academic independence, this decision has the potential to affect over a quarter of the university’s international student population, creating uncertainty and anxiety among those enrolled. Moreover, faculty members have expressed concerns that a mass departure of foreign students could impact the academic strengths of the institution, especially as it faces broader ideological conflicts with the administration.
Does the US government have authority over a private college's enrollment?
The US federal government generally does not have direct authority over a private college's enrollment. While the federal government provides funding for student aid and research through grants, it doesn't dictate enrollment policies or require private colleges to accept specific student populations. Private colleges are independent institutions, often governed by boards of trustees or religious bodies, and determine their own enrollment criteria.
However, the US government has authority over who comes into the country.
The Department of Homeland Security oversees which colleges are part of the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP), the programme gives colleges the ability to issue documentation to foreign students admitted to the schools. Then, the students apply to obtain visas to study in the United States.
On Thursday, DHS said it would remove Harvard University from SEVP.
What’s next for the foreign students?
As of the 2024-2025 academic year, Harvard University has enrolled 6,793 international students, accounting for approximately 27% of its overall enrollment. However, the recent decision by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will significantly affect the international community at Harvard, which comprises a total of around 9,970 individuals.
The university has publicly stated its commitment to hosting international students and scholars from over 140 countries, emphasizing the value they add to both the university and the nation. However, the institution has been at odds with the Trump administration for several months, as the administration seeks to implement changes to campus programming, policies, hiring practices, and admissions processes, specifically targeting perceived antisemitism and what it deems “racist diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.”
The administration has particularly focused on foreign students and staff believed to have participated in protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Harvard's leadership contends that many of the administration's demands, including comprehensive audits of the viewpoints of students and staff, exceed federal authority and may infringe on Harvard’s constitutional rights.
What about the current international students?
A letter from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated that the revocation of Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification prohibits the university from enrolling any students on F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant visas for the upcoming academic year, i.e, for 2025-2026. This decision implies that existing international students with these statuses need to seek transfer to another certified institution to maintain their nonimmigrant status.
Harvard's Class of 2025 is expected to graduate next week. Students who completed their degrees this semester will be allowed to graduate. As per Noem's letter, the changes would take effect for the 2025-2026 school year. The letter added that the students who have yet to complete their degree need to transfer to another university, or they will lose their legal permission to remain in the US.
Now, educational institutions must hold SEVP certification from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to admit F-1 or M-1 visa applicants. Such institutions are obligated to provide accurate and updated information about each enrolled international student, including their address and academic status. Typically, international students affected by a loss of SEVP certification are granted the opportunity to transfer to another certified institution before facing deportation.
ICE guidelines stress that SEVP-certified schools have substantial legal obligations toward their students and the US government. The full authority of the US government may be exercised to protect students and impose sanctions against schools that neglect their responsibilities.
What about the students already admitted for the upcoming academic year?
Across most colleges, the academic year begins with a Fall term, generally around late August or early September. Naturally, the question arises – will the students, already admitted to the university, be able to enrol at Harvard in the fall?
The objective answer to that question is – no.
Not unless the US government changes its decision or a court steps in.
For now, as per Noem, Harvard could restore its status as a host institution for foreign students if it complied with a list of demands within 72 hours, which includes – requests for a range of records, such as disciplinary records for international students, plus audio and video recordings of protest activity.
Harvard previously declined to provide those records. On Thursday, the university said it was working to guide affected students.
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