Trump administration demands Harvard's international students transfer or lose legal status

The Trump administration's recent decision affects nearly 6,800 international students at Harvard, forcing them to find new universities or face legal repercussions. Harvard's response highlights the potential harm to its academic mission and community.

Sources:
YahooUsatoday+1
Updated 1h ago
Tab background
Sources: YahooUsatoday
The Trump administration's recent decision to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll international students has sparked significant controversy.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the university must terminate its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, accusing it of fostering an unsafe environment for Jewish students.
Harvard, which enrolled nearly 6,800 international students in the 2024-2025 school year, has rejected these allegations, asserting that the government's actions are unlawful and detrimental to its mission.
In a statement, Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton emphasized the university's commitment to supporting international students, who enrich the institution and the nation.
The administration's move could impact 21% of Harvard's athletes, as many international students participate in sports, raising concerns about the future of its athletic programs.
The university's ongoing conflict with the Trump administration began earlier this year when it refused to comply with demands to limit pro-Palestinian protests and eliminate diversity policies.
Noem's ultimatum requires current international students to transfer to other universities or risk losing their legal status, a move that has drawn widespread criticism from the academic community.
Sources: Yahoo
The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, demanding current students transfer or risk losing their legal status. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the university of fostering violence and antisemitism, while Harvard called the action unlawful and detrimental to its academic mission.
Section 1 background
The Headline

Harvard's international student enrollment revoked

It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments.
Kristi Noem
Homeland Security Secretary
Yahoo
Key Facts
  • The Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard's ability to enroll international students, citing safety concerns and accusing the university of fostering violence and antisemitism.3Yahoo
  • Current international students at Harvard must transfer to other universities or risk losing their legal status, according to the Homeland Security Secretary.Usatoday
  • Harvard University enrolled nearly 6,800 international students in the 2024-2025 school year, making up 27% of its total enrollment.Yahoo
  • Harvard's response to the government's actions has been to reject the allegations and pledge support for foreign students, calling the actions unlawful.Yahoo
  • Harvard's athletic program could be severely impacted by the Trump administration's decision, as many athletes are international students.1
  • Harvard's ongoing conflict with the Trump administration began in early April when it became the first elite college to refuse compliance with government demands.1
Key Stats at a Glance
Number of international students enrolled at Harvard
6800 students
Yahoo
Percentage of total enrollment that is international students
27%
Yahoo

Related Videos

Trump administration blocks Harvard’s international enrollments | REUTERS
Trump administrationHarvard Universityinternational studentseducation policyUSA news
Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling international students
Trump administrationHarvard Universityinternational studentsHomeland Securityeducation policy
Section 2 background
Background Context

Background on Harvard's conflict with Trump administration

We will continue to fight hate with the urgency it demands as we fully comply with our obligations under the law.
President Alan Garber
1
Key Facts
  • Federal funding freeze against Harvard was announced by the Trump administration as part of the ongoing conflict.1
  • Harvard's commitment to international students is emphasized by its spokesperson, who stated the university is working to support them.Usatoday
  • Harvard's international students come from more than 140 countries, enriching the university and the nation.Usatoday
Key Stats at a Glance
Number of countries represented by international students at Harvard
140 countries
Usatoday
Article not found
Home

Source Citations