The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, effective immediately. According to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, this decision is a response to Harvard’s alleged “fostering of violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus”. Harvard has strongly rejected these allegations, calling the move “unlawful” and a “retaliatory action” that threatens harm to the university community and undermines its mission.
Background of the Standoff
The standoff between the Trump administration and Harvard University began in December 2023, following the October 7 attack on southern Israel and the resulting Israeli offensive on Gaza. Then-Harvard President Claudine Gay’s testimony before Congress sparked outrage among elected officials, particularly Republicans, who called for greater crackdowns on pro-Palestine protests and diversity initiatives on college campuses.
Escalating Tensions
In January 2025, Trump took office and signed executive orders aimed at cracking down on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at private institutions, including universities. The US Department of Justice launched a task force to “root out anti-Semitic harassment in schools and on college campuses”, which later announced it would visit 10 schools, including Harvard.
Key Events Leading to the Block
- March 7, 2025: The Trump administration slashed $400m in federal funding to Columbia University, accusing the school of “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students”.
- April 11, 2025: Harvard received a letter from the Trump administration, listing demands that included a governance overhaul, reforming hiring and admissions practices, and auditing several academic programs.
- April 14, 2025: Harvard President Garber rejected the demands, stating that the university would not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.
- May 22, 2025: The Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program approval, blocking the university from enrolling new foreign students.
Harvard’s Response
“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the university – and this nation – immeasurably.” Harvard has pledged to support its foreign students and is likely to continue fighting the administration’s decision.