Trump Administration’s Ban on Harvard’s International Students Sparks Legal Battle

In a significant escalation of tensions, the Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, a move the university has denounced as “unlawful.” The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the decision on Thursday, citing Harvard’s failure to comply with federal reporting requirements as the reason for terminating its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. This action, effective for the 2025-2026 academic year, bars Harvard from admitting new foreign students and requires currently enrolled international students to transfer to other institutions or risk losing their legal status in the U.S.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in a letter to Harvard obtained, justified the decision by alleging the university permitted “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to assault Jewish students on campus and accused Harvard of coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party, claims made without evidence. Noem had previously demanded that Harvard provide detailed records of alleged illegal and violent activities by foreign students by April 30, referencing a federal law requiring disclosures of academic, enrollment, and disciplinary actions.

Harvard, which enrolls nearly 6,800 international students comprising 27% of its student body responded swiftly, calling the DHS action a “retaliatory” measure that undermines its academic and research mission. In a statement, the university vowed to continue supporting its international students and scholars from over 140 countries, emphasizing their contributions to the institution and the nation. Harvard is reportedly preparing to challenge the decision legally, following a lawsuit filed last month against the administration’s attempts to alter its curriculum, admissions, and hiring policies.

The Trump administration’s move is part of a broader campaign targeting elite universities, with Harvard as a primary focus. The DHS has warned that similar actions could be taken against other institutions, framing the ban as a response to alleged antisemitism and non-compliance with federal regulations. Meanwhile, a federal judge in Oakland, District Judge Jeffrey S. White, issued a ruling blocking the administration from terminating the legal status of international students nationwide while a related legal challenge is pending.

The decision has raised concerns about its impact on Harvard’s $6 billion annual budget, which relies heavily on tuition from international students, and its ability to attract global talent. As the dispute unfolds, the academic community awaits further developments in what promises to be a contentious legal and political battle.