The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stunned Harvard University on Thursday by revoking its certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This decision, announced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, immediately blocks Harvard from enrolling any new international students.
The Move at a Glance
- No New Enrollments: Harvard can’t admit any future international students until further notice.
- Status at Risk: Existing foreign students must transfer to another certified institution or risk losing their legal status.
- Grant Freeze: In April, the administration froze $2.2 billion in federal grants after Harvard resisted demands to cut diversity, equity and inclusion programs and vet international students’ ideologies.
Harvard Pushes Back
In an official statement, Harvard called the move "unlawful and harmful," emphasizing its commitment to hosting scholars from more than 140 countries. "This retaliatory action…threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country," the university leadership said, highlighting the role of international talent in driving research and innovation.
Why It Matters
As of fall 2023, international students accounted for over 27 percent of Harvard’s student body, data show. Across the U.S., universities rely on global talent to fuel technological breakthroughs, startups and cutting-edge research. For young global citizens, this policy shift sends ripples through classrooms, labs and communities from Cambridge to California.
Next Steps for Students and Schools
For affected students, the clock is ticking. Many may scramble to secure transfers or reevaluate plans to study in the U.S. Meanwhile, higher-education leaders and policymakers will face mounting pressure to define the future of international education in America—and what it means for the global exchange of ideas.
Looking Ahead
This landmark decision raises big questions: Will other universities be next? How will U.S. campuses adapt to shifting immigration policies? And what lessons will global learners take from this episode? One thing is clear: the intersection of politics and education has never been more consequential for tomorrow’s changemakers.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
