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In an unprecedented move that intensifies the confrontation between the White House and one of the country's most prestigious universities, the government of President Donald Trump revoked Harvard's authorization to enroll foreign students, a decision that threatens to have profound repercussions in both the academic and diplomatic arenas.
The decision was formally communicated through a letter sent this Thursday by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, who notified that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at Harvard University has been revoked with immediate effect.
"I am writing to inform you that, effective immediately, the Harvard University program for Foreign Students and Visitors has been revoked," reads the letter signed by Noem.
The revocation comes at a time of high tension between the federal government and Harvard, driven by accusations from the Trump administration regarding alleged tolerance of anti-Semitism, censorship of conservative speech, and an insistence on implementing policies of racial and gender inclusivity that, according to Washington, "undermine American values."
In a statement released through their social media, Secretary Noem stated that “This administration is holding Harvard accountable for promoting violence, antisemitism, and for coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus. (…) Harvard had many opportunities to do the right thing. They refused. They have lost their SEVP program certification for failing to comply with the law.”
"Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions in the country," he threatened.
The revocation of the SEVP means that Harvard will not be able to admit or retain foreign students, directly affecting thousands of international students currently enrolled and many others who planned to start their studies in the fall.
Sources close to the university have described the measure as "an unprecedented political attack on academic autonomy," and warned that they will consider legal action. So far, Harvard has not issued an official statement, although a response is expected in the coming hours.
This action adds to other recent decisions made by the Trump administration that have aimed to reshape the American educational landscape under a controversial more nationalist vision, limiting the role of foreign influences in universities and questioning institutional approaches regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This week, President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw funding from the country's major educational institutions.
Harvard University, in Cambridge (Massachusetts), the richest, has an endowment of $53 billion, which equals the GDP of Iceland, Madagascar, and Aruba, and is greater than that of over 120 nations, including Tunisia and Bahrain. Yale's endowment stands at $41.4 billion.
In March, he also threatened to withdraw federal funds from universities that allowed student protests.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ban on Foreign Students at Harvard
Why has the Trump administration prohibited Harvard from enrolling foreign students?
The Trump administration revoked Harvard's foreign students and visitors program due to accusations of promoting violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party. This decision is part of a broader policy aimed at restricting foreign influence in educational institutions in the United States.
How does this decision affect international students at Harvard?
The revocation of the SEVP means that Harvard cannot admit or maintain enrolled international students, which directly impacts thousands of international students who are already enrolled and those who planned to begin their studies. This creates uncertainty about their academic future and legal status in the country.
What are the potential legal repercussions for Harvard following this measure?
Sources close to Harvard have labeled the measure as a political attack and have warned that they will consider legal action. Although Harvard has not issued an official statement, the university is expected to respond formally and may seek legal avenues to challenge the government's decision.
What is the political context behind the Trump administration's decision against Harvard?
This action is part of a series of measures taken by the Trump administration to limit foreign influence in universities and reshape the American educational landscape with a more nationalist view. The implementation of diversity and equity policies in universities has also been criticized, as the government views them as contrary to American values.
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