Trump Admin Bans Harvard from Enrolling International Students Amid Campus Controversy

By Achimi Muktar

In a bombshell decision sending shockwaves across global academia, the Trump administration has stripped Harvard University of its right to enroll international students—putting the future of nearly 7,000 foreign scholars at risk.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Thursday that Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has been officially revoked. This means the Ivy League giant can no longer admit foreign students, and those currently enrolled face the grim prospect of transferring or losing their legal status in the United States.

The move comes amid escalating tensions between the federal government and elite universities over how they handle campus protests and allegations of antisemitism.

Funding Cuts and Federal Fury

The decision follows DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s termination of two federal grants worth over $2.7 million previously allocated to Harvard. Noem, echoing Trump administration sentiments, accused Harvard of mishandling antisemitic incidents and protests, and called into question the institution’s transparency regarding international students.

“With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard doesn’t need taxpayer money if it can’t comply with federal standards,” Noem said. “And if they won’t follow the rules, they won’t get the privilege of hosting foreign students either.”

The DHS further demanded detailed reporting on international students allegedly linked to illegal activities, warning that failure to comply would solidify Harvard’s ban.

Harvard Fights Back

In a swift response, Harvard denounced the decision as politically motivated and harmful to both students and the nation’s reputation. The university vowed to challenge the action in court.

“Targeting international students under the guise of enforcement is a gross overreach,” said a Harvard spokesperson. “These scholars enrich our community and contribute meaningfully to the global standing of U.S. higher education.”

Harvard officials also reiterated their commitment to combating antisemitism, while defending their institutional independence and adherence to constitutional rights.

Students Caught in the Crossfire

With 27.2% of Harvard’s student body hailing from over 140 countries, the repercussions are immense. From academic dreams to immigration status, international students are now living in limbo.

Karl Molden, an Austrian junior at Harvard, said he and his peers feel like pawns in a larger ideological battle.

“We’ve worked our entire lives for this opportunity. Now we’re facing the threat of deportation over a political standoff we have no control over,” he said.

Experts Warn of Broader Damage

Jason Furman, a Harvard economics professor and former Obama advisor, called the decision “horrendous on every level.”

“International students are vital to innovation and America’s global soft power,” Furman said. “Stripping Harvard of the ability to educate global talent damages not just the university but the country’s influence.”

As legal battles loom and international students brace for uncertainty, one thing is clear: the Trump administration has reignited a fierce debate over the role of politics in education—and the very soul of American academia.