Harvard University is once again at the center of a political storm after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, led by Kristi Noem, revoked the institution’s ability to enroll international students. As reported by The New York Times, the announcement was made just minutes after Harvard officials met with graduating students, congratulating them for surviving months of political turmoil.

In a post on X, Secretary Noem stated the administration had revoked Harvard’s "certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program" due to its "noncompliance with the law." She added, “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”

Harvard responded in a public statement calling the move illegal and retaliatory. The university declared: “We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to welcome our international students and scholars, who hail from over 140 countries and greatly enrich the University and this nation.” The statement continued: “This retaliatory action threatens to cause serious harm to the Harvard community and our country and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission,” as reported by BBC News.

In addition, Harvard initiated legal proceedings against the measure to reestablish its rights as an educational institution. As reported by The New York Times, Alan M. Garber, president of Harvard, issued a statement to the entire university community saying that "We condemn this unlawful and unwarranted action that imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars across Harvard and serves as a warning to countless others at colleges and universities throughout the country who have come to America to pursue their education and fulfill their dreams."
 

A Political Strategy, Not Just a Policy

The decision comes on the heels of escalating tensions between Harvard and the White House. In April, the university rejected Trump administration demands to alter hiring, admissions, and curriculum policies. Soon after, federal research funding — totaling over \$2 billion — was frozen, prompting Harvard to file suit in federal court, as reported by The New York Times.

The administration has positioned its pressure campaign as part of a broader push to combat antisemitism on campus. But critics argue the measures are sweeping and punitive. According to BBC News, DHS has demanded Harvard turn over disciplinary records for all international students from the past five years and provide video, audio, or electronic evidence of any “illegal” or “violent” activity by non-resident students.

On April 30, Harvard’s executive vice president, Meredith Weenick, publicly stated that the university would provide only the information “required by law,” reflecting legal concerns about violating privacy statutes.

Legal Boundaries and Institutional Autonomy

Harvard’s legal team has expressed concern that the government's requests could exceed what is legally permissible. The university has already sued over previous federal actions and may now challenge the latest move as a violation of academic freedom and due process.

Observers note that although the federal government controls student visa programs, universities typically retain the right to sponsor students under programs such as Optional Practical Training (OPT). Stripping Harvard of this role en masse, without specific administrative hearings, could face legal scrutiny.

Impact on Students and Programs

According to The New York Times, 6,800 international students were enrolled at Harvard last academic year — representing 27.2% of its total student body. Some graduate schools would be disproportionately affected: 59% of students at the Kennedy School of Government are international, along with 40% at the School of Public Health and 35% at Harvard Business School.

For many students, the move has been personally devastating. “Getting into Harvard was the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life,” said Karl Molden, a sophomore from Austria. “I can’t actually believe that this is happening.”

Sarah Davis, a graduate student from Australia, told The New York Times that she feared not receiving her public administration degree due to visa uncertainty. “It’s incredibly disappointing to have something you’ve worked so hard for be taken away in an instant,” she said, “and to end up in limbo.”

Others, like Alfred Williamson from Wales, began looking into transferring abroad. “People are taking this very seriously,” he said. “Everyone’s freaking out. No one knows what to do.”

What Harvard Can Still Do

Harvard’s endowment — valued at $53 billion, according to BBC News — gives it more room to maneuver than most institutions. It may pursue additional legal action or seek temporary judicial relief while leveraging its international partnerships to support displaced students.

The university has also hinted at deeper resistance. According to BBC News, President Alan M. Garber has stood firm against federal pressure, earning praise from Democratic leaders. But the stakes remain high: not just for Harvard, but for the future of American higher education’s global reach.

Kirsten Weld, professor of Latin American history and president of Harvard’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors, put it plainly in The New York Times: “You cannot take [international students] away and have an institution left at the end of it.”