Trump administration revokes Harvard University’s ability to enroll International Students

In an unprecedented move, the Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively halting the university’s ability to enrol international students. This sudden action has sent shockwaves across the global academic community, particularly among African students who view Harvard as a beacon of academic excellence and a gateway to global opportunities.

Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and how it impacts African students and other international scholars.

What Happened: The Revocation Explained

On Thursday, 22 May 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, officially informed Harvard University that its SEVP certification had been revoked. This certification is essential for enrolling international students on student visas. Without it, Harvard cannot legally accept new international students, and current international students face a grim choice: transfer to another SEVP-certified institution or risk losing their legal status in the U.S.

The move comes after weeks of back-and-forth between Harvard and DHS regarding the legality and scope of a wide-ranging records request. The Trump administration demanded extensive information about student visa holders, including academic records, involvement in illegal activities, and coursework details. Harvard pushed back, asserting that the request exceeded legal requirements and would violate student privacy.

Despite attempts to negotiate and clarify the scope of the request, DHS responded by revoking the university’s ability to host international students. This decision affects nearly 6,800 students, roughly 27% of Harvard’s student population.

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) revocation of Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students has generated intense scrutiny and debate, raising questions about administrative compliance and the potential political motivations behind the move.

Harvard has long had a contentious relationship with the Trump administration, often clashing over academic freedom, hiring practices, and responses to campus activism. The latest confrontation reached a new high in April 2025 when DHS issued a direct ultimatum.

According to a 16 April 2025, DHS press release, the department warned that Harvard would face immediate loss of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification if it failed to submit requested data on international students involved in campus protests.

 “The Secretary also wrote a scathing letter demanding detailed records on Harvard’s foreign student visa holders’ illegal and violent activities by April 30, 2025, or face immediate loss of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification… And if Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students.”

Following the release, DHS clarified that the action would apply to current and future students. In a news release issued after Secretary Noem shared the administration’s letter on social media, the department stated:

“Harvard can no longer enrol foreign students, and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status.”

The impact is significant: Harvard enrolled approximately 6,800 international students in the 2024–25 academic year, representing about 27 per cent of its student population, a sharp increase from 19.7 per cent in 2010–11, according to university data.

Financial and Institutional Repercussions

The financial consequences for the university could be substantial. For the 2025–26 school year, Harvard’s tuition is $59,320, with total annual costs rising to nearly $87,000 when room and board are included. International students often pay a larger share of educational expenses than domestic students, although Harvard maintains a need-blind admissions policy for all applicants regardless of nationality.

In a formal response, Harvard denounced the administration’s move as “unlawful.” Jason Newton, the university’s director of media relations, issued a strong statement:

“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the university — and this nation — immeasurably. We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”

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Regulatory Context

The federal student visa system is overseen by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an agency within Secretary Noem’s department. ICE is responsible for vetting international students and certifying educational institutions for participation in SEVP. Federal regulations outline specific conditions under which a school can be decertified, including failure to meet data reporting requirements, the basis cited in Noem’s letter.

However, Harvard contends that the DHS request overstepped the legal bounds of those requirements. According to university officials, the demands for detailed records on student protest activity go beyond what the law mandates, raising concerns about overreach and selective enforcement.

An Unprecedented Precedent?

Many immigration and education policy experts view the action as unprecedented in scope and consequence. Andrea Flores, a former DHS official under the Obama administration, described the move as “extremely dangerous,” warning that it marks the first known attempt by DHS to reshape a university’s student population via punitive immigration measures.

Critics fear the administration’s tactics could establish a precedent for using visa policy as leverage over campus governance. Some interpret this as part of a wider political agenda to challenge elite academic institutions on ideological grounds, especially in light of ongoing national debates over free speech, anti-discrimination policies, and responses to pro-Palestinian protests.

Harvard Responds

Harvard University has strongly condemned the decision. Jason Newton, the university’s director of media relations, called the administration’s actions “unlawful” and reiterated Harvard’s commitment to its international community.

“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the university and this nation immeasurably.”

The university is expected to challenge the decision legally, potentially marking the second lawsuit against the Trump administration in as many months. Legal experts believe Harvard has a strong case, particularly as the government’s demands may have violated privacy laws and exceeded lawful reporting requirements

The Impact on International Students, Especially Africans

This decision is deeply unsettling for international students, particularly African students. Here’s why it matters:

1. Loss of Opportunity

African students view Harvard as more than a university; it’s a life-changing opportunity to gain a world-class education, build global networks, and access career pathways previously unimaginable. Losing access to this opportunity due to political agendas is heartbreaking.

2. Disruption to Academic and Visa Status

Students currently enrolled must find new institutions willing to accept transfer credits while navigating complicated visa processes. This transition is stressful and could delay graduation, derail academic plans, and add financial burdens.

3. Financial Implications

International students pay premium tuition fees. For African families and scholarship providers, the costs are often justified by the prestige and impact of a Harvard degree. Now, these investments hang in the balance.

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The Trump administration’s decision to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students is deeply concerning. It threatens not just the integrity of one of the world’s premier institutions but also the dreams and futures of thousands of students, especially from Africa, who saw Harvard as a stepping stone to greatness.

Now more than ever, it’s important for African students to begin rethinking other top-tier universities in Finland, Canada, Germany, and Australia, where immigration laws are more favourable to international students.