WASHINGTON – The Trump administration on Thursday revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, causing chaos on the Ivy League campus and jeopardizing the legal status of more than a quarter of its students.
The move represents a significant step forward in the White House’s efforts to pressure the university to change its admissions, hiring, and teaching practices.
The decision will almost certainly result in a legal challenge from the university, which is already suing the federal government for freezing billions of dollars in research funding.
In a statement, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that current international students at Harvard must transfer to other universities or risk losing their legal status.
Noem stated that she would reconsider her decision if Harvard met her demands for more information within 72 hours, which included providing disciplinary records for every international student for the previous five years.
Under President Donald Trump’s orders, federal agencies have targeted dozens of universities across the country in recent months, accusing them of failing to protect Jewish students. The government has canceled billions of dollars in research grants and contracts, resulting in significant layoffs and budget cuts at numerous institutions.
“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,” Noem told the crowd. “Harvard had many opportunities to do the right thing. “It refused.”
In a statement, Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton stated that the university was working quickly on Thursday to provide guidance and support to students and faculty.
“The government’s actions are unlawful. We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host international students and scholars from over 140 countries, who enrich the University – and the country – immeasurably,” he said. “This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
Foreign students stunned: ‘It just feels so sad’
The decision stunned Harvard’s international student population, some of whom are graduating next weekend. More than 25% of Harvard’s total student population are international students, with approximately 6,800 enrolled this academic year.
“Honestly, for the moment it just feels so sad,” said Leo Gerdén, a 22-year-old Harvard student from Sweden who studies economics and government. “I have had an incredible experience at this university. Harvard has always been known for attracting the best talent from around the world. Now, all of that could be taken away, and Harvard will no longer be Harvard.”
Gerdén reported that international students were still scrambling Thursday afternoon to understand the implications of the change.