The Department of Homeland Security has taken a major step by revoking Harvard University's certification for its Student and Exchange Visitor Program, effectively barring the university from enrolling international students for the 2025-2026 academic year, Fox News reported.
The unprecedented action stems from allegations of "pro-terrorist conduct" during campus protests and Harvard's failure to comply with information requests regarding student visa holders.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has targeted Harvard due to allegations that campus protests exhibited "pro-terrorist conduct," which Secretary Kristi Noem claims include fostering violence, antisemitism, and collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party.
In addition to these accusations, DHS has criticized Harvard for not adhering to requests for behavioral records of student visa holders from the past five years. Secretary Noem emphasized the importance of universities adhering to reporting requirements for maintaining these programs.
Current international students at Harvard now face a dilemma as they are required to transfer or leave the United States before the academic year begins. This change not only disrupts the students’ education but also impacts the broader academic community.
Harvard has contested this decision vigorously, describing it as unlawful and one that poses significant harm to the university’s mission and community. The university claims that international students enrich both its community and the nation.
The controversy intensified after DHS provided Harvard with 72 hours to submit requested documents that might allow for the reinstatement of the program. These documents include footage of protest activity and documentation of any illegal or violent actions by students on visas.
Noem reiterated that Harvard failed to offer a complete and acceptable response to these documentation requests, leaving DHS with no choice but to revoke the university’s program certification.
Noem's communication with Maureen Martin, Harvard's immigration services director, included a letter summarizing the administration's grievances and the reasons behind their drastic measures.
The administration's decision has sparked a significant response from Harvard, with spokesperson Jason Newton declaring the action unlawful and retaliatory. Newton highlighted the potential threat this poses to Harvard’s academic and research mission.
According to Noem, it is crucial for universities to understand that while enrolling foreign students can enhance their endowments through higher tuition fees, it comes with strict responsibilities.
Noem emphasizes that Harvard's failure to fulfill the law warranted consequences as a signal to all universities regarding compliance with federal requests. She indicated that the administration's enforcement actions are also intended to combat antisemitism.
The loss of Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification at Harvard underscores the federal government's expectations for educational institutions housing international students.
Universities nationwide are now on notice about the importance of compliance with DHS requirements, particularly amid rising concerns about antisemitism and campus safety.
This situation opens the door to broader discussions about the balance between campus freedoms and federal oversight, a debate that will continue as educational policies evolve.
