The Trump administration has stripped Harvard University of its certification to enroll international students, marking a severe blow to the Ivy League institution’s global academic presence. Citing allegations of fostering an “unsafe” environment for Jewish students and promoting “pro-Hamas” sentiment, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Harvard of violating federal standards. The DHS also demanded the university hand over records of all nonimmigrant students and protest-related activities, giving it 72 hours to comply or risk losing its ability to host international students for the 2025–26 academic year.
Harvard, which hosts students from over 140 countries, expressed concern over the decision, emphasizing its commitment to diversity and inclusion. International students make up more than 27% of its student body and are a vital part of its academic and financial ecosystem. The move comes amid a broader federal crackdown on campuses seen as resistant to the Trump administration’s policies. While a federal judge has temporarily blocked visa revocations, the future remains uncertain for thousands of Harvard’s international students and incoming applicants.