On May 22, 2025, the administration of former President Donald Trump took a significant step by revoking Harvard University’s ability to enroll foreign students, a move that affects over 27% of its student body for the 2024-25 academic year. This decision marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and the prestigious Ivy League institution.
The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, announced that current foreign students must either transfer to other educational institutions or risk losing their legal status in the United States. Furthermore, the government has indicated that it may extend similar actions to other universities across the country.
Harvard, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, quickly condemned the government’s decision, labeling it “unlawful” and warning that it would inflict “serious harm” on both the university and the nation. The institution has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, having produced 162 Nobel Prize winners, and it argues that this punitive measure undermines its mission of education and research.
The conflict stems from Trump’s dissatisfaction with Harvard’s admissions and hiring practices, which he claims are influenced by anti-Semitic sentiments and a “woke” liberal ideology. In a letter to Harvard, Secretary Noem emphasized that the university’s privilege to enroll foreign students is contingent upon compliance with Department of Homeland Security regulations, including reporting requirements under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). She accused Harvard of fostering an unsafe environment for Jewish students and promoting policies that she deemed discriminatory.
In response to the government’s actions, Harvard has initiated legal proceedings against the administration, seeking to challenge the various punitive measures imposed upon it. The university expressed its commitment to supporting its international students and scholars, stating, “We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars.”
The news has left many current international students in a state of uncertainty. Alice Goyer, a fourth-year student at Harvard, shared her concerns, stating, “No one knows what this development will mean for international students already enrolled.” She noted that many of her peers are feeling anxious and confused about their future.
The situation has raised questions about the potential for legal battles as Harvard seeks to protect its international student body. Goyer expressed skepticism about the likelihood of students willingly transferring to other institutions, suggesting that many would prefer to fight the decision legally.
During an interview with Fox News, Secretary Noem hinted at the possibility of similar actions being taken against other universities, including Columbia University in New York. She stated, “This should be a warning to every other university to get your act together,” indicating that the administration’s crackdown on Harvard may be just the beginning.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of this decision could have far-reaching effects on the landscape of higher education in the United States, particularly for institutions that rely heavily on international student enrollment for revenue and diversity. The coming weeks will likely see significant developments as Harvard and the government navigate this contentious issue.