Trump Administration Bars Harvard from Enrolling International Students Amid Federal Probe

Last Updated May - 23 - 2025, 05:32 PM | Source : Fela News

The Trump administration has suspended Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students, citing a federal investigation into alleged ties with the CCP an

The Trump administration on Thursday revoked Harvard University's authorization to enroll international students, citing an active investigation by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a letter to Harvard, outlining the decision and posting on X that the administration is taking action against the university for allegedly promoting violence, antisemitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party. Noem emphasized that admitting foreign students is “a privilege, not a right,” and criticized the university for using high international tuition fees to bolster its substantial endowment.

The DHS letter stated that Harvard must submit the necessary documentation within 72 hours if it hopes to regain certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program before the next academic year. Without it, existing international students would be required to transfer or risk losing their legal status in the U.S., the department warned.

In response, Harvard called the move a retaliatory and unlawful action that could seriously damage the institution. A university statement stressed its commitment to supporting international students and scholars from over 140 countries, describing them as vital contributors to both the university and the United States.

President Trump had previously criticized Harvard, calling it a “joke” and advocating for the loss of its government research contracts following the university’s resistance to external political oversight. He had threatened to block its ability to accept foreign students unless certain conditions were met, beginning as early as April.

Harvard currently enrolls approximately 6,800 international students, comprising 27% of its student body. Of these, 788 students are from India, making the country one of the top contributors to Harvard’s international population.