The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively barring the school from enrolling new international students. The move, announced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, highlights strict federal enforcement on campus compliance.
International students form a diverse community that enriches Harvard’s academic and cultural life. Revoking SEVP approval means Harvard cannot provide the essential documentation needed for new foreign applicants to study in the U.S.
Key Impacts
- Academic Exchange: New international arrivals will be paused, affecting universities and prospective students worldwide.
- Compliance Warning: The decision makes clear that enrolling international students is a privilege – not a right – tied to adherence to federal regulations.
- Broader Implications: Other institutions may face heightened reviews of their student visa protocols.
In her statement, Secretary Noem said: ‘Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country. Enrolling international students is a privilege – not a right – and that privilege has been revoked due to Harvard’s repeated failure to comply with federal law.’
This ruling arrives at a critical moment for higher education, underscoring the tension between national policies and global academic collaboration. For many young global citizens and future leaders, it raises important questions about mobility, opportunity, and the rules that govern international study.
Reference(s):
Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students
cgtn.com
