In a move that stirred controversy in the woke landscape, President Donald Trump’s administration sent shockwaves through elite academia by revoking Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students.
See the tweet below.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited an “unsafe environment” created by anti-American agitators and alleged coordination with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as key reasons for the dramatic action.
This decisive move affects nearly 6,800 foreign students who must now transfer or leave the country as the administration takes a stand against what it sees as dangerous anti-American sentiment at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities.
The DHS under Secretary Kristi Noem has revoked Harvard University’s certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, effectively ending the elite institution’s ability to enroll international students.
This major action comes after Harvard allegedly failed to address concerns about anti-American activities and the safety of Jewish students on campus.
DHS claimed the university has allowed “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to create an unsafe learning environment and has accused Harvard of coordinating with the CCP.
The revocation affects approximately 6,800 foreign students who make up over 27% of Harvard’s student body.
These students, primarily graduate students from more than 100 countries, must now transfer to other institutions or leave the United States.
Secretary Noem made it clear that enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right, and universities must follow American laws to maintain that privilege.
Secretary Noem did not mince words when explaining the administration’s position on the matter: “This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.”
This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.
It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments… pic.twitter.com/12hJWd1J86
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 22, 2025
Harvard has strongly contested the administration’s actions, calling the revocation “unlawful” and asserting it threatens serious harm to both the Harvard community and the country as a whole.
The university is currently working to guide affected students through this challenging situation while preparing legal challenges.
This dispute began when Secretary Noem requested information on foreign students involved in campus violence or protests, information Harvard refused to provide, citing student privacy concerns.
“This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission,” Harvard said in a statement,
The university’s resistance comes after the Trump administration froze $2.6 billion in federal grants over disputes related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
The administration has also previously threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status, signaling a comprehensive approach to addressing the university’s problematic policies and practices.
In addition, the action against Harvard is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to restore American values in higher education and protect Jewish students from the wave of antisemitism that has swept across college campuses.
Secretary Noem clarified the administration’s position when she stated, “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”
This warning signals that other universities could face similar consequences if they fail to address concerns about anti-American sentiment and antisemitism.
Critics from free speech groups and campus Democrat organizations have accused the administration of authoritarianism, while supporters applaud the decisive action to protect American values and Jewish students.
Previous attempts by the administration to curtail visas for international students have faced legal challenges, including a nationwide injunction against terminations of student status.
However, the administration appears determined to use all available tools to ensure universities comply with its demands.
The situation has created uncertainty among international students, particularly those nearing graduation.
While some view these students as caught in the crossfire between the administration and Harvard, others see the action as necessary to ensure American universities uphold American values and protect all students from harassment and violence.
As legal challenges mount, this confrontation highlights the growing tension between academic freedom and national security concerns.
