Why Did the Trump Administration Block Harvard from Enrolling International Students?

San Francisco, May 23 (NationPress) The administration led by Donald Trump has officially revoked Harvard University's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which effectively prevents the institution from enrolling new international students.

Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kristi Noem, announced this significant decision.

In a statement, Noem remarked, "This should act as a clear warning to all universities and academic institutions nationwide."

She emphasized, "The enrollment of international students is a privilege — not a right — and this privilege has been revoked due to Harvard's ongoing non-compliance with federal regulations."

On the social media platform X, Noem stated: "In April, the administration halted $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard, after the university dismissed demands to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and assess international students for ideological biases. As reported by university data, international students constituted over 27 percent of Harvard's student body in the fall 2023 semester. This administration is holding Harvard accountable for promoting violence, antisemitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus. The opportunity for universities to enroll foreign students and gain from their higher tuition fees, which contribute to their multibillion-dollar endowments, is a privilege, not a right. Harvard had ample chance to rectify its course. It chose not to. Consequently, they have lost their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification due to their failure to comply with the law. This should serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the nation."

Nevertheless, a letter sent to Harvard University indicated that should the institution wish to regain its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification for the upcoming academic year, it must provide the "required information" within "72 hours."

The DHS stated that in addition to prohibiting the enrollment of future international students, "existing foreign students must transfer to maintain their legal status."

This action by the Trump administration will compel existing students to either transfer to different institutions or risk losing their legal status, according to the DHS on Thursday.

In response, Harvard University described this move as a retaliatory measure that poses significant harm to the university.

"This action by the government is unlawful. We are wholly committed to upholding Harvard's capacity to host international students and scholars from over 140 countries, who significantly enrich the university — and this nation — in countless ways," the university stated.

"We are swiftly working to provide guidance and support to our community members. This retaliatory action poses serious risks to the Harvard community and our nation and undermines Harvard's academic and research missions."

In April, US President Donald Trump labeled Harvard a "joke" and suggested it should lose its government research contracts after the prestigious institution refused to comply with demands to accept external political oversight.

Trump stated, "Harvard can no longer be regarded as a reputable place of education and should be excluded from any list of the World's Great Universities or Colleges," on his Truth Social platform.

He had previously threatened to prohibit the renowned institution from admitting foreign students unless it adhered to the specified requirements.

Annually, between 500-800 students and scholars from India attend Harvard, according to the university's official website.

Currently, there are 788 students from India enrolled at Harvard University.