Donald Trump bars Harvard from enrolling international students
Published on May 23, 2025 at 12:15 PM by Edgar Naitha
The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, citing national security and campus climate concerns.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered the termination of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification after the university refused to submit conduct records of foreign students requested last month.
In a letter to Harvard, Noem accused the school of “perpetuating an unsafe campus environment that is hostile to Jewish students, promotes pro-Hamas sympathies, and employs racist diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.”
A DHS statement added, “This serves as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”
In response, Harvard condemned the move as unlawful, with spokesperson Jason Newton stating, “This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
He added, “We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community.”
The White House defended the decision, declaring, “Enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right,” and claiming, “Harvard has turned their once-great institution into a hotbed of pro-terrorist agitators.”
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said, “They have failed to take meaningful action, and now they must face the consequences.”
Harvard economics professor Jason Furman called the move “horrendous on every level,” adding, “They benefit innovation and U.S. global influence… I hope this is reversed before irreparable damage is done.”
