Trump Administration Blocks Harvard from Enrolling International Students Amid Controversy

In a dramatic move, the Trump administration has suspended Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students — a decision that could impact thousands and spark major legal battles.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the action on Thursday, citing Harvard’s refusal to comply with new federal demands related to hiring practices, admissions, and faculty ideology reviews. These demands came from the administration’s Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism.

As a result, DHS revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification — a key status that allows the school to host international students. The university enrolls nearly 6,800 international students out of a total population of around 24,600. Without SEVP certification, current international students may need to transfer or face deportation.

The move follows an earlier clash in which the federal government withheld $2 billion in research funding, prompting Harvard to file a lawsuit.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the decision on Twitter, calling it a “warning to all universities,” and accused Harvard of enabling “violence, antisemitism, and coordination with the Chinese Communist Party.”

Harvard has denied these allegations. Spokesperson Jason Newton called the government’s actions “unlawful” and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its global student community.

According to DHS, Harvard failed to fully provide requested records regarding foreign students’ alleged misconduct. The university did submit some data, but officials said it was incomplete. Now, Harvard has 72 hours to turn over all audio/video footage and records tied to alleged “dangerous, threatening, or illegal activity” by international students in the past five years — or risk extended sanctions.