Washington: In a dramatic escalation of its ongoing conflict with Harvard University, the Trump administration has stripped the Ivy League institution of its authority to host international students, citing alleged national security violations and ties to foreign adversaries.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Thursday that Harvard’s ability to sponsor student visas has been revoked, forcing thousands of international students to either transfer or risk deportation.
“Until Harvard complies with federal demands, it will not be allowed to enroll or retain foreign nationals,” the DHS declared, accusing the university of fostering an environment where “anti-American, pro-terrorist rhetoric” has endangered Jewish students.
Federal officials further claimed that Harvard engaged in collaborations with the Chinese Communist Party, including offering training to members of a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as last year.
Harvard, which enrolls over 6,800 international students—making up more than a quarter of its student body—condemned the move, calling it an illegal, politically driven attack. University leaders pledged to defend affected students and challenge the action through legal means.
“This is a blatant political assault that jeopardizes the safety of our students and strikes at the heart of academic freedom,” the university said in a public statement.
The action follows months of mounting tension between Harvard and the White House. The university has resisted federal efforts to crack down on alleged antisemitism and political bias on campus, prompting the administration to cut $2.6 billion in federal funds. President Trump has also raised the possibility of revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the decision came after Harvard failed to meet a federal deadline to submit records identifying international students linked to protests or “dangerous activities.” The university has been given 72 hours to provide the requested documents—including surveillance footage—if it hopes to restore its visa privileges.
Campus groups and civil liberties organizations denounced the administration’s actions. The Harvard College Democrats labeled it “authoritarian,” accusing Trump of using students as pawns for political gain. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression warned of dangerous overreach.
“This is an unprecedented intrusion into protected campus speech and student privacy,” the group said.
