The Trump administration has given Harvard University 30 days to contest the revocation of its certification to enroll international students. The move, announced on Thursday, follows the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) May 22 decision to strip the university of its right to host non-U.S. students under the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
The decision, which could impact nearly 6,800 international students around 27% of Harvard’s enrollment was temporarily halted after a federal judge indicated plans to issue a broad preliminary injunction. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs cited concerns over significant harm to students and the university if the administration’s decision were implemented immediately.
The DHS, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, claimed Harvard demonstrated a “repeated pattern of endangering its students and spreading American hate.” Noem accused the university without presenting evidence of fostering antisemitism, coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party, and refusing to comply with information requests regarding student visa holders.
Harvard strongly denied these allegations and has vowed to fight the revocation. The university argued the action violated its constitutional rights to free speech and due process and failed to follow DHS regulations that mandate a 30-day notice and opportunity for administrative appeal.
The university’s legal team has characterized the move as a retaliatory and politically motivated attack on academic freedom. Harvard is already engaged in a separate legal battle against the administration over the termination of nearly $3 billion in federal research funding.
Adding to the controversy, former President Donald Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, suggested Harvard cap international student admissions at 15%, a proposal likely to further inflame tensions with academic institutions.
Harvard has yet to issue an official comment following the DHS notice. The university now faces a critical 30-day window to defend its right to host international students—a battle that could shape not only its future but also broader policies on academic independence and immigration in higher education.
