Trump Administration Bars Harvard from Enrolling International Students, Mandates Transfers
The Trump Administration has revoked Harvard University's authorization to enroll international students, citing an "unsafe campus environment" and "anti-American" activities. Thousands of current foreign students must now transfer to other institutions or risk losing their US legal status. This action escalates a significant standoff with the Ivy League school and could preface a broader crackdown on other colleges, heavily impacting global students, including many from India.
Unpacked:
The Trump Administration cited an “unsafe campus environment” and “anti-American” activities as reasons for revoking Harvard’s certification. Officials also linked the action to Harvard’s refusal to turn over detailed records about international students’ alleged illegal and violent activities and to comply with demands regarding governance and admissions in response to allegations of antisemitic conduct.
About 6,800 international students—roughly 27% of Harvard’s student body—are affected by the revocation. These students come from over 140 countries, with significant numbers from India, China, Canada, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
Current international students must either transfer to other U.S. institutions with valid certification or risk losing their legal status in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security has given Harvard 72 hours to submit requested records to potentially regain certification, but the timeline for reinstatement is unclear.
This decision could set a precedent for revoking certifications at other universities, threatening the legal status of international students nationwide. It may deter international applicants, reduce tuition revenue, and damage the reputation and diversity of U.S. higher education institutions.