The Trump administration has blocked Harvard University from enrolling international students.
“This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. “It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments. Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused. They have lost their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification as a result of their failure to adhere to the law. Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”
Existing international students attending the university must transfer or lose their legal status, DHS explained.
In a letter sent to Harvard University, Noem wrote, “This action should not surprise you and is the unfortunate result of Harvard’s failure to comply with simple reporting requirements.”
“Consequences must follow to send a clear signal to Harvard and all universities that want to enjoy the privilege of enrolling foreign students, that the Trump administration will enforce the law and root out the evils of anti-Americanism and antisemitism in society and campuses,” Noem added.
According to The Harvard Crimson, there are more than 6,000 international students at the university.
Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton called the matter “unlawful” and wrote in a statement, “This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
