Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement on Thursday that Harvard had fostered “violence, antisemitism and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party,” and had refused to hand over detailed records on overseas students involved in campus protests.
The penalty bars the Ivy League institution from sponsoring new F-1 and J-1 visas for the 2025-26 academic year.
“It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students,” Noem said, warning that other colleges could face similar action. She gave Harvard 72 hours to supply audio, video and other material on foreign students’ alleged misconduct if it wants the ban lifted.
Harvard, the United States’ oldest and wealthiest university, called the move unlawful and “retaliatory,” saying it undermines both the school’s academic mission and U.S. interests.
“We are fully committed to supporting our international scholars,” the university said, adding that it was reviewing legal options.
The decision escalates a long-running clash between President Donald Trump and Harvard, which has already seen roughly $3 billion in federal research grants frozen and threats to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status.
International students make up about 27% of Harvard’s enrollment, according to university data. They include 38 Polish nationals as of autumn 2024.
Civil-liberties and higher-education groups condemned the decertification. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression said the government’s demand for protest footage amounted to a “sweeping fishing expedition” that chills free speech.
Harvard can regain its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification if it complies with the record request, Noem said. Until then, thousands of students must secure places elsewhere or leave the United States before their visas lapse.
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Source: AP News, Harvard University, BBC, PAP, RMF24