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On Thursday, the Trump administration prohibited Harvard University from enrolling international students. This decision coincided with an ongoing investigation of the institution led by the Department of Homeland Security. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem communicated this decision to Harvard in a letter. In a post on X, she stated, "This administration is holding Harvard accountable for promoting violence, antisemitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus," adding that the ability to enroll foreign students is a “privilege, not a right.” She further claimed that the higher tuition paid by international students contributes to the university's substantial endowment.
The letter from the Department of Homeland Security also indicated that if Harvard wishes to restore its certification for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program ahead of the next academic year, it must supply the necessary “information required” within “72 hours.” According to the Department of Homeland Security, this action may compel current students to either transfer to other institutions or jeopardize their legal status. In response, Harvard University has described the action as retaliation that poses a significant threat to its operations. "The government’s measure is unlawful. We remain steadfast in our commitment to hosting international students and scholars from over 140 countries, who greatly enrich both the university and our nation," the university stated in a message.
This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 22, 2025
It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments… pic.twitter.com/12hJWd1J86
In April, President Donald Trump criticized Harvard, labeling it a “joke” and suggested that it should forfeit its government research funding after the university declined to accept external political oversight. On his Truth Social platform, he remarked, "Harvard can no longer be regarded as a respectable educational institution, and should be excluded from any lists of the World’s Great Universities or Colleges." Earlier in April, he had threatened to prevent the renowned university from admitting foreign students unless it complied with specific demands. According to university data, Harvard welcomed nearly 6,800 international students for the 2024-2025 academic year, accounting for 27% of its total student enrollment. Each year, between 500 to 800 scholars and students from India attend Harvard, with the current enrollment standing at 788.
