WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — In a highly controversial and politically charged move, the Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s authority to enroll international students, triggering a wave of uncertainty and panic across the academic world.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made the announcement on Thursday, citing grave concerns over campus safety, national security, and alleged foreign interference. According to the agency, Harvard has failed to maintain a safe learning environment by allowing extremist elements to operate on campus — specifically accusing the university of tolerating anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators who have reportedly targeted Jewish students.
In addition to these explosive claims, DHS also accused Harvard of actively collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The department alleged that as recently as 2024, Harvard hosted and trained individuals associated with a Chinese paramilitary group, further deepening concerns about foreign influence within U.S. academic institutions.
“This decision means Harvard is no longer permitted to enroll new foreign students. Existing international students must either transfer to another university or face deportation,” said the DHS statement.
This action directly affects nearly 6,800 international students currently enrolled at Harvard’s main campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. These students come from over 100 countries and represent more than a quarter of Harvard’s total student population — many of them pursuing advanced degrees in science, technology, public policy, and business.
The move has sent shockwaves through academic circles worldwide, raising fears about the future of global education partnerships, cross-border research, and the freedom of international scholars in the U.S.
🎓 Harvard’s Response: Retaliation and Legal Challenge
Harvard swiftly condemned the federal government’s action, calling it “unlawful, retaliatory, and damaging to the core values of American higher education.” The university emphasized that it is actively working to provide legal counsel and emergency guidance to its affected students, some of whom are just weeks away from completing their degrees.
“This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to Harvard’s community, disrupts lives, and undermines our academic mission,” Harvard said in a strongly worded statement. “We will explore every legal avenue to protect our students and defend the principles of academic freedom.”
This latest decision is widely seen as part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on elite academic institutions, foreign student visas, and alleged espionage threats linked to China.
Observers point out that the move comes amid growing political tensions, with critics accusing the administration of using immigration enforcement as a political weapon against institutions that have openly challenged or criticized its policies.
🌍 A Wider Impact on the Global Education System
The ban on Harvard’s international admissions could set a dangerous precedent for other top universities with large foreign student populations. Already, legal experts, student organizations, and international governments are expressing concern over how this could disrupt academic collaboration, damage U.S. credibility abroad, and deter future global talent from choosing American institutions.
The decision arrives at a time when the global education system is still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical instability. International students contribute billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy, and their research and innovation play a crucial role in keeping American universities globally competitive.
