Trump Administration Ends Harvard’s Ability to Enroll International Students

BBC News reports that the Trump administration has moved to end Harvard’s ability to enrol international students, escalating a row with America’s oldest university.

BBC News states that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X that the administration has revoked Harvard’s “Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification as a result of their failure to adhere to the law.”

BBC News quotes her as saying, “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”

BBC News reports that Harvard called the move “unlawful” in a statement.

BBC News quotes the university as saying, “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.”

“We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”

BBC News reports that the Trump administration’s decision could affect thousands of international students who study at the university.

BBC News notes that nearly 7,000 international students were enrolled at the institution last academic year, making up 27.2% of its student body.

BBC News adds that the White House has demanded Harvard make changes to hiring, admissions and teaching practices to help fight antisemitism on campus.

BBC News reports that Harvard earlier said it had taken many steps to address antisemitism, and that the demands were an effort to regulate the university’s “intellectual conditions.”