Washington, D.C.— On May 22, 2025, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University's certification to enroll international students, citing allegations of fostering antisemitism and ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This decision affects approximately 6,800 international students, who now face the prospect of transferring to other institutions or losing their legal status in the U.S.
Key Facts:
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Date of Action: May 22, 2025.
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Affected Students: Approximately 6,800 international students constitute 27% of Harvard's student body.
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Reason Cited: Allegations of fostering antisemitism and collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) terminated Harvard's participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively barring the university from enrolling international students for the 2025–2026 academic year. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the decision was due to Harvard's refusal to provide information on certain foreign students and its alleged failure to maintain a safe environment for all students.
Harvard has condemned the action as unlawful and retaliatory, asserting that it undermines the university's academic mission and the nation's commitment to educational exchange. The university is exploring legal avenues to challenge the decision and is working to support affected students during this period of uncertainty.
This move is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to scrutinize elite academic institutions, particularly those perceived to harbor anti-American sentiments or foreign influences. The administration has previously threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status and freeze federal funding, intensifying tensions between the government and higher education institutions.
"The government's action is unlawful," Harvard stated. "This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission."
Do You Know? International students contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, with their tuition and living expenses adding billions annually. Harvard's international students alone contribute a substantial amount through tuition and associated expenditures.
Key Terms:
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Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP): A program that manages schools and nonimmigrant students in the F, M, and J visa categories.
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Homeland Security Secretary: The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for public security, broadly defined to include anti-terrorism, border security, immigration, and customs.