The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made a bold move by revoking the certification of Harvard University’s foreign student admissions program. This decision, announced by Secretary Kristi Noem on social media platform X, effectively bars Harvard from enrolling international students through its Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
Noem cited Harvard’s alleged involvement in fostering violence, antisemitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as reasons for the revocation. She emphasized that it is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students, and Harvard had failed to adhere to the law, leading to the loss of its certification.
Existing foreign students at Harvard now face the challenge of transferring to another school or risk losing their legal status due to the revocation. Noem’s statement highlighted Harvard’s failure to create a safe campus environment, allowing anti-American and pro-terrorist behavior among students, especially those with ties to the CCP.
Harvard University, on the other hand, deemed the federal government’s actions as unlawful and expressed its commitment to supporting its international students and scholars. The university spokesperson, Jason Newton, emphasized the importance of maintaining Harvard’s diverse community and criticized the retaliatory action taken by the DHS.
The conflict between the federal government and Harvard escalated earlier in 2025 when President Donald Trump issued executive orders targeting campus anti-Semitism and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Harvard’s refusal to comply led to the freezing of grants and contracts, sparking a legal battle between the university and the administration.
Noem’s involvement in the dispute has brought it to a new level, with allegations of Harvard’s collaboration with the CCP and questionable research partnerships. The Trump administration is now publicizing examples of Harvard’s alleged DEI practices, anti-Semitism, and ties to military advancements through Chinese collaborations.
Despite facing backlash from the federal government, Harvard has received support from over 600 college and university leaders who have signed letters in solidarity with the university’s litigation efforts. Harvard psychology professor Steven Pinker highlighted the importance of ideological diversity on campuses, suggesting that Harvard could benefit from more politically conservative professors to promote thorough peer review efforts.
As the conflict between Harvard and the federal government continues, it underscores the importance of upholding the law and fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students. The repercussions of this revocation will undoubtedly impact Harvard’s international community and raise questions about the role of universities in global partnerships and research collaborations.
