Trump tries to bar Harvard from enrolling foreign students

The Trump administration tries to revoke Harvard University’s right to enrol foreign students. However, a judge blocks the move for now

THE WORLDVIEW

May 23, 2025

IN an unprecedented move by a United States administration against a renowned seat of learning, the Trump administration announced that it will bar Harvard University from enrolling international students.

According to government sources, the administration intends to take away the university’s ability to admit students from abroad — a key funding source for one of America’s oldest and wealthiest universities. The decision marks a significant escalation in the White House’s campaign to pressure elite institutions into aligning with the president’s agenda.

However, a judge on Friday halted the administration's attempt to strip the top university of its ability to admit international students.

Critics argue that the measure would not only have denied highly qualified international students the opportunity to study at Harvard, but also compelled the university to rely solely on domestic enrolment. Such a shift, they contend, would severely have diminished the campus's rich diversity and robbed the institution of a vital pool of global talent.

Observers believe the move is designed to curtail the university’s academic independence. They warn that less prestigious institutions could soon come under similar pressure, setting a dangerous precedent for the autonomy of higher education across the country.

Citing multiple sources, The New York Times reported that Harvard was notified of the administration’s decision after weeks of legal wrangling over a contentious Department of Homeland Security (DHS) records request. The investigation is part of a broader effort by DHS to scrutinise Harvard’s compliance with student visa regulations.

The administration’s decision is widely seen as a direct attempt to undermine America’s higher education system by curbing the ability of top-tier universities to attract global talent — a cornerstone of the nation’s academic, economic, and scientific success.

The move is expected to prompt a second legal challenge from Harvard, following a lawsuit filed last month over earlier attempts by the government to interfere in the university’s curriculum, admissions process, and hiring policies.

“I am writing to inform you that, effective immediately, Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Programme certification is revoked,” read a letter to the university from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. A copy of the letter was obtained by The New York Times.

The DHS confirmed the decision applies to both current and future international students. “Harvard can no longer enrol foreign students, and existing international students must transfer or risk losing their legal status,” the department said in a statement issued after Ms Noem shared the letter on social media.

Approximately 6,800 international students were enrolled at Harvard during the 2024-25 academic year, representing around 27 per cent of the student body — up from 19.7 per cent in 2010-11.

The financial ramifications for the university could be substantial. Annual tuition at Harvard stands at $59,320 for the 2025-26 academic year, with total costs nearing $87,000 when room and board are included. International students often pay a greater proportion of these costs, although the university maintains a need-blind admissions policy for all applicants, regardless of nationality.

A spokesperson for Harvard condemned the government’s decision as “unlawful”. “We remain firmly committed to supporting our international students and scholars — who come from more than 140 countries and contribute immensely to the university and the nation,” said Jason Newton, Harvard’s director of media relations.

“We are working urgently to provide guidance and assistance to our community. This retaliatory action poses serious harm to Harvard and undermines both its academic mission and the broader interests of the country.”

The student visa programme is overseen by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which falls under Ms Noem’s department. The agency certifies educational institutions and monitors compliance with federal regulations governing international students. One stated reason for revoking certification was Harvard’s alleged failure to meet reporting requirements — a claim the university disputes as exceeding legal obligations.