Trump Administration Revokes Harvard’s Right To Enroll Foreign Students

The Trump administration on Thursday revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, delivering a sharp punishment to the Ivy League school after it refused to comply with the administration’s policy demands.

“Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

The announcement came as students from around the world were preparing to attend classes at the university, widely regarded as the oldest and one of the most prestigious in the United States. One incoming freshman from New Zealand called the news a “heart drop” moment.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she ordered the termination of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, citing the school’s refusal to turn over conduct records of international students requested by DHS last month.

The decision could affect more than a quarter of Harvard’s international student body, sparking widespread anxiety and uncertainty. Professors warned that the forced departure of so many foreign students could weaken Harvard’s academic strength and autonomy.

The White House defended the move, stating, “Enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right.” Spokesperson Abigail Jackson accused Harvard leadership of transforming “their once-great institution into a hot-bed of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators.”

“They have repeatedly failed to take action to address the widespread problems negatively impacting American students, and now they must face the consequences of their actions,” Jackson said in a statement to CNN.