DHS Revokes Harvard’s Admissions Program Amid Security Concerns

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

This action, announced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, effectively bars Harvard from enrolling international students and mandates that current foreign enrollees transfer to other institutions or risk losing their legal status.

“This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus,” Noem stated.

“It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multi-billion-dollar endowments.”

The DHS’s decision follows Harvard’s alleged failure to comply with federal requests for information regarding the activities of its international students, including participation in protests and other campus events.

Noem emphasized that Harvard had “plenty of opportunity to do the right thing,” but “it refused.”

Approximately 6,800 international students, representing about 27% of Harvard’s student body, are affected by the SEVP decertification. These students must now seek transfer to other institutions to maintain their visa status.

Noem stated, “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”

“Get your act together, because we are coming to make sure that these programs, that you are facilitating an environment where students can learn, where they’re safe, and that they’re not discriminated against based on their race or their religion,” Noem said on Fox News.

The administration has also frozen over $2.6 billion in grants and contracts to Harvard and is considering revoking the university’s tax-exempt status.

Harvard’s Defiant Response

Harvard University has condemned the DHS’s action as “unlawful” and vowed to support its 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,” a university spokesperson said.

“This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”

The university is reportedly preparing to challenge the DHS’s decision in court. A federal judge has already issued a temporary injunction preventing immigration authorities from revoking international students’ legal status while litigation continues.