In May 2025, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s certification to enroll international students, citing alleged noncompliance with federal reporting requirements and concerns over campus activities. This action affected approximately 6,800 international students, about 27% of Harvard’s student body, compelling them to transfer or risk losing their visa status. The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, accused Harvard of promoting antisemitism and having ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the revocation was unlawful and detrimental to its academic mission. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, allowing Harvard to continue enrolling international students while the case proceeds.
This conflict is part of a broader tension between the Trump administration and higher education institutions, with the administration also freezing significant federal funding to Harvard and threatening its tax-exempt status.
For more detailed information, please refer to the original article by The New York Times: “Trump Administration Says It Is Halting Harvard’s Ability to Enroll International Students” (May 22, 2025).