File photo: View of Harvard University’s Business School Campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA | Photo Credit: Faith Ninivaggi
US President Donald Trump’s administration will revoke his ability to register Harvard international students and force existing students to either transfer to other schools or lose their legal status, the Department of Homeland Security said Thursday.
Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem has ordered the department to end accreditation of Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the department said in a statement.
Harvard called the behavior illegal.
The move comes after Harvard refused to provide previously requested information about foreign student visa holders attending the university.
“This administration is responsible for Harvard’s promotion of violence, anti-Semitism and coordinating it with the Chinese Communist Party on campus,” Noem said. “It’s not a right, but a privilege, for the university to register international students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help them contribute billions of dollars.”
Harvard said the move would threaten serious harm to the university.
“Government actions are illegal. We are fully committed to maintaining our ability to host international students and academics from over 140 countries, as well as the universities and the study abroad and academics that will enrich the country.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The move shows a significant escalation of the Trump administration’s campaign against Elite Ivy League University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Republican president has made extraordinary efforts to revamp private universities and schools across the United States, and he says he will nurture anti-American, Marxist and “radical left” ideology. He especially criticizes Harvard for hiring prominent Democrats in education or leadership positions.
Released on May 23, 2025
