The Trump administration announced, through Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, that Harvard University’s license to enroll students from outside the U.S. is being revoked, citing that it “incites violence and anti-Semitism.” [1], [2]
“It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to admit foreign students and benefit from the higher tuition they pay to fill their multi-billion dollar endowments,” Noem said in a statement.
Additionally, foreign students already studying at Harvard will be forced to transfer to other universities or lose their legal status to remain in the U.S. The University’s Exchange Student and Visitor Program will also be terminated, effective from the 2025-2026 academic year, according to an announcement from the department.
Around 6,800 international students enrolled at Harvard in 2024-25, representing about 27% of the total.
Harvard University spokesperson Jason Newton called the decision illegal and stated that the university remains fully committed to its ability to host international students and researchers from over 140 countries.
The conflict with Harvard began when the administration refused to provide data on current and prospective students, according to the New York Times.
In response to Harvard’s refusal, the government announced it would freeze $2.2 billion in grants to the university, along with a separate $60 million contract.
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