US revokes Harvard’s right to enroll foreign students

The United States government has revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students, affecting more than a quarter of its current student population and escalating a political clash between the Trump administration and the prestigious institution.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision in a letter sent Thursday, stating that Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) had been withdrawn “effective immediately.”

The program is the primary mechanism that allows foreign students to study in the US.

This move follows repeated warnings from Donald Trump, who had demanded Harvard agree to government oversight on its admissions and hiring practices. He accused the university of fostering anti-Semitic sentiments and promoting liberal ideologies.

Trump, who has openly criticized Harvard in recent months, previously warned that the school would be blocked from admitting international students if it failed to comply with federal demands.

In her letter, Noem said, “As I explained to you in my April letter, it is a privilege to enroll foreign students. All universities must comply with Department of Homeland Security requirements, including reporting requirements under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program regulations, to maintain this privilege.”

She further stated, “As a result of your refusal to comply with multiple requests to provide the Department of Homeland Security pertinent information while perpetuating an unsafe campus environment that is hostile to Jewish students, promotes pro-Hamas sympathies, and employs racist ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ policies, you have lost this privilege.”

Foreign students made up over 27 percent of Harvard’s total enrollment during the 2024–2025 academic year, according to university data.

Harvard has not yet issued a response to the revocation.