U.S. Revokes Authorization for International Students at Harvard

Introduction

In a move that has further escalated tensions between the U.S. government and one of the world’s most prestigious universities, the administration of President Donald Trump announced on Thursday (May 22) the revocation of Harvard University’s authorization to enroll international students. 📢

With this decision, approximately 6,800 international students — most of whom are enrolled in graduate programs — have been directly affected.

The government mandated that these students must transfer to other institutions, or they will lose their legal right to remain in the United States. 🛂

The Reason Behind the Decision: Missing Documents and Serious Allegations 📄⚠️

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the decision was made after Harvard allegedly failed to submit required documents about its international students.

In an official letter sent to the university, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem accused Harvard of maintaining a hostile environment for Jewish students, of showing sympathy for Hamas, and of adopting “racist policies under the guise of diversity, equity, and inclusion.” 😨

These serious allegations have been perceived as an escalation of the already tense relationship between the university and the federal government.

Harvard responded firmly, stating that the decision is illegal and deeply compromises its academic and research mission. 🧑‍🎓📚

What Are the Immediate Effects for Students? 🎒💼

As established by the government, the measure takes immediate effect but will be implemented progressively.

The situation for affected students is as follows:

✅ Students Nearing Graduation

Those who are completing their courses this semester will be allowed to graduate as planned.

The decision officially takes effect at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. Thus, the Class of 2025, scheduled to graduate next week, will not be directly impacted. 🎓

✅ Students Who Have Not Yet Completed Their Programs

Students who have not yet finished their undergraduate or graduate programs will be required to transfer to other universities.

If they fail to do so, their student visas will be automatically revoked, and they will be required to leave the country. 🚷

✅ Incoming Students for September 2025

International students who had been accepted to begin their studies in September 2025 now face an uncertain future: they will not be allowed to start their courses unless the government reverses its decision or court intervention suspends its effects. ⚖️

What Must Harvard Do to Reverse the Decision? 🔄📑

Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Harvard could regain its authorized status to enroll international students if it complies with a list of specific demands within 72 hours.

DHS Requirements for Harvard

According to the government, Harvard had already refused to provide such materials, citing the need to protect student privacy and uphold freedom of academic expression. 🛡️

The university stated that it is working diligently to advise and support affected students and will continue to pursue all available legal avenues to challenge the decision. 🤝

Harvard vs. Trump Administration: A Worsening Conflict 📈🔥

The conflict between Harvard and the Trump administration did not emerge overnight.

Since April 2025, Harvard has been at the forefront of resistance against federal orders aimed at limiting pro-Palestinian protests and eliminating institutional policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. ✊🏽

📉 Previous Consequences

As a result of this confrontation, multiple federal agencies — including the DHS and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) — had already suspended funding to Harvard, directly impacting various research projects led by faculty and students. 🧪🔬

In April, the White House had already threatened to revoke Harvard’s permission to enroll international students and also suggested removing the university’s tax-exempt status — a move that could significantly harm Harvard’s fundraising efforts from major donors. 💸

Does the Government Have the Authority to Do This? 🇺🇸⚖️

Yes. U.S. law grants the Department of Homeland Security the authority to determine which institutions participate in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

It is through this program that American universities obtain the authorization required to issue documents allowing international students to apply for study visas.

With Harvard now excluded from SEVP, the institution automatically loses the right to issue such documents, effectively making it impossible for new international students to enroll or remain. 🚫

Has This Ever Happened Before? 🤔📚

Yes, but not under similar circumstances.

While the U.S. government has previously removed institutions from the program, such actions were always due to administrative reasons, such as:

• ❌ Loss of accreditation;

• ❌ Inadequate facilities;

• ❌ Ceasing to function as an educational institution.

However, experts emphasize that there has never been a removal for political reasons.

The action against Harvard thus represents an unprecedented moment in U.S. higher education history. 🛑

📣 Expert Statement

Sarah Spreitzer, Vice President of the American Council on Education, stated: I have never seen a revocation for any reason other than the administrative grounds outlined in law. This is unprecedented.

How Is the Academic Community Reacting? 🧑‍🏫🗯️

The academic community, both in the United States and globally, has expressed deep concern about the measure.

Civil rights organizations and groups supporting international students argue that the decision undermines academic freedom and damages the international reputation of U.S. institutions. 🌐

Additionally, critics warn that barring international students may:

• ⚠️ Significantly reduce cultural diversity on campus;

• ⚠️ Hinder international research collaborations;

• ⚠️ Financially impact the university, which relies on revenue from tuition and donations driven by its global leadership position. 💰

What’s Next? Potential Scenarios 🚦⏳

Several potential outcomes are being considered:

1. ✅ Harvard complies with the DHS demands within 72 hours, leading to reversal of the decision;

2. ✅ Harvard challenges the measure in court, seeking a suspension or annulment by federal judges;

3. ✅ The decision is upheld, forcing the unprecedented transfer of thousands of students and triggering a significant academic exodus.

The situation remains uncertain, but sources close to the State Department suggest there is no intention to reverse the decision unless Harvard fully complies. ⚖️

Broader Impact on Other Universities and the Education Sector 🏫🌍

Experts caution that this decision could trigger a domino effect on other U.S. universities that maintain diversity policies or support protests deemed contrary to the Trump administration’s directives.

Additionally, concerns have been raised that the move may:

• 🚨 Deter international students from choosing the U.S. as a study destination;

• 🚨 Reduce the global flow of cultural and scientific exchange;

• 🚨 Hurt the competitiveness of U.S. universities in the international arena.

Conclusion: An Unprecedented and Concerning Chapter in U.S. Education 📚❗

The Trump administration’s decision to revoke Harvard University’s authorization to enroll international students marks one of the most controversial and impactful episodes in recent U.S. higher education history.

Directly affecting thousands of students and compromising the reputation of one of the world’s most esteemed institutions, this measure highlights the growing politicization of educational and immigration policies in the country. 🗳️

As Harvard fights to overturn the decision and protect its students, the world watches closely as this clash may redefine the future of international academic exchange. 🌎🎓