Trump Administration Says It Is Halting Harvard’s Ability to Enroll International Students

In a striking move that escalates the Trump administration’s ongoing conflict with elite academic institutions, federal officials announced Thursday that Harvard University will no longer be allowed to enroll international students. This decision represents a major blow to the university’s global appeal and financial model, which relies significantly on the tuition fees paid by foreign students.

According to individuals familiar with the situation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed Harvard of the decision following a prolonged dispute involving a controversial and extensive records request related to international student data. The request was part of an investigation initiated by DHS, which appears to be targeting Harvard more aggressively than other institutions. These individuals, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, indicated that the administration’s actions are intended to pressure Harvard into compliance with political objectives aligned with President Trump’s agenda.

This latest development signals a broader attempt by the Trump administration to exert control over institutions of higher education, particularly those that maintain a strong global presence and influence. For decades, the ability of U.S. universities to attract international talent has been a cornerstone of American innovation and global competitiveness in academia, research, and science. This crackdown threatens to disrupt that tradition.

The administration’s decision comes as part of an expanding strategy to reshape how universities function, especially those seen as resistant to federal influence. The move could have profound financial and academic consequences for Harvard, where about 27 percent of the student body—approximately 6,800 students—consists of international students, based on 2024–2025 enrollment figures. This represents a steady increase from roughly 20 percent in the 2010–2011 academic year.

Harvard has already initiated legal action against the administration in response to previous attempts to interfere with its admissions criteria, academic freedom, and hiring practices. Sources close to the university anticipate a new legal challenge in light of Thursday’s decision, which revokes Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

The revocation was communicated in a letter from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who wrote, “Effective immediately, Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification is revoked.” The New York Times obtained a copy of the letter, which confirms that the decision affects both current and prospective international students.

Shortly after the letter was made public via social media, DHS issued a press release clarifying the scope of the directive: Harvard is now prohibited from enrolling any new international students, and those already enrolled must either transfer to another institution or risk losing their legal immigration status.

The financial ramifications of this decision are considerable. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition at Harvard stands at $59,320, and the total cost of attendance, including room and board, can approach $87,000. International students often pay the full cost of attendance and typically do not receive federal financial aid, making them a vital source of revenue for the university. While Harvard maintains a need-blind admissions policy regardless of nationality, the financial contribution of foreign students is significant.

Harvard’s response to the decision was swift and sharply critical. Jason Newton, the university’s director of media relations, described the administration’s actions as “unlawful” and emphasized the importance of Harvard’s international community. “We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the university — and this nation — immeasurably,” Newton said. “This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”

The federal student visa program falls under the purview of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a component of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is responsible for vetting international students and certifying institutions eligible to host them. Federal regulations outline specific criteria and justifications for revoking such certification, including noncompliance with required data reporting—one of the issues cited in Secretary Noem’s letter. However, Harvard contends that the administration’s demands exceed what is legally mandated.

Andrea Flores, a former DHS official under President Obama and now vice president of immigration policy at FWD.us, a pro-immigration advocacy group, called the action “unprecedented.” She noted that never before has DHS targeted a single institution in this manner to reshape its student body by interfering with its visa processes.

The announcement sent shockwaves across campus. Leo Gerden, a senior from Sweden who has been active in advocating for international student rights, expressed deep concern. “Without its international students and without its ability to bring in the best people from around the world, Harvard is not going to be Harvard anymore,” he said. “The Trump administration is using us as poker chips. It is extremely dangerous.”

Despite the legal and public relations challenges posed by the administration’s actions, Harvard has received widespread support for its resistance. Legal analysts suggest that the university has a strong case to challenge the decision and possibly recover funding previously withdrawn by the federal government. However, ongoing investigations and increasing political scrutiny continue to burden the university’s leadership.

Earlier this year, the Justice Department opened a separate investigation into Harvard’s admissions policies, further complicating the institution’s legal and administrative environment. That probe, too, involved a burdensome request for extensive documentation, raising concerns about overreach.

Thursday’s decision appears to be linked to a separate investigation launched by DHS on April 16. In a letter sent to the university, Secretary Noem demanded detailed information about every international student at Harvard, claiming the university had fostered a “hostile learning environment for Jewish students.” The request included multiple criteria, such as coursework for each foreign student and details about any who may have engaged in illegal activities.

The scope of this demand alarmed both university officials and legal counsel, who feared that sharing such data could violate federal privacy laws and institutional obligations to student confidentiality. On April 30, Harvard formally conveyed its concerns to the administration. That same day, Meredith Weenick, Harvard’s executive vice president, issued a public statement assuring the university community that it would only share information explicitly required by law.

The administration replied a week later, indicating Harvard’s response was inadequate and further narrowed its demands to students who met four specific criteria. Harvard followed up last week, reporting that only a handful of students fell into those categories and asked for clarification on parts of the request.

Then, on Thursday, DHS escalated the conflict by revoking Harvard’s certification and expanding the data request to cover six criteria. The university was given a 72-hour deadline to comply.

Harvard now finds itself at a critical juncture—balancing its commitment to academic freedom, student privacy, and international engagement against an administration that has shown a willingness to use immigration policy as a lever for political influence.

Whether this latest act will stand up to legal scrutiny remains to be seen, but what is certain is that the decision has triggered a new chapter in the ongoing struggle between the federal government and one of the world’s most prestigious universities.