U.S. Restricts Harvard From Enrolling New International Students: Impact on 7,000 Already Enrolled
The US government has stripped Harvard University of its enrollment rights for international students due to failure to meet federal requirements and climate concerns on campus. The government directive affects 6,800 students who now must transfer schools or potentially lose their legal standing.
U.S. Restricts Harvard From Enrolling New International Students: Impact on 7,000 Already Enrolled
The US government took away Harvard University's power to admit international students on Thursday as part of an intensified conflict with the prestigious institution. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made an announcement on Thursday which affects nearly 6,800 foreign students and increases examination of the university’s campus policies.
Harvard University enrolled 6,793 international students in the US in the 2024–2025 academic year who made up approximately 27% of the school’s total student population.
What happens to students already on campus?
International students enrolled at Harvard risk losing their legal status in the US unless they transfer to another SEVP-certified university. According to a letter from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Harvard University did not follow federal requirements to provide records concerning international students. Noem declared that the university maintains an unsafe campus environment which discriminates against Jewish students while supporting pro-Hamas views and enforcing discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
I'm already a Harvard student. Will I be able to graduate?
The revocation becomes effective during the 2025–26 academic year. This semester's graduating students will proceed with their graduation while other students need to find transfer alternatives unless a court intervenes to reverse or stop this requirement. Harvard can restore its Student and Exchange Visitor Program SEVP certification by delivering disciplinary records and protest-related footage along with documents on unlawful student activities from the previous five years within 72 hours.
Can the government control Harvard's enrolments?
Harvard declared the action both illegal and damaging to its educational goals. A university spokesperson announced that they are rapidly establishing supportive guidance for community members.
The US government determines the eligibility of individuals seeking entry into the country. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enables colleges to issue essential documents that foreign students require to obtain study visas for the US.
