Trump administration blocks Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students

US ends SEVP certification; international students must transfer or lose legal status, says Homeland Security


REUTERS May 22, 2025
Harvard can no longer enroll international students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status. PHOTO: PEXELS

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US President Donald Trump's administration has revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, the Department of Homeland Security said on Thursday.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered the department to terminate the Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, the department said in a statement.

The move means Harvard can no longer enroll international students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status, it said.

"This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus," Noem said. "It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments."

Harvard University and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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