Reports that the Trump administration has blocked Harvard University from enrolling international students, citing concerns over the university's compliance with federal laws regarding foreign students and its stance on issues such as antisemitism and ties to the Chinese government.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of fostering violence and antisemitism and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party. In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked the university's Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which is required for educational institutions to host international students.
This means that Harvard will not be able to accept new international students, and current students will need to transfer to other institutions to maintain their non-immigrant status. The decision follows a standoff between Harvard and the Trump administration over the university's diversity programs and its response to pro-Palestine protests, which has resulted in three rounds of federal funding and grant cuts totaling over $2.6bn. Harvard has called the move "unlawful" and a "retaliatory action." The university is currently pursuing a lawsuit against the administration, claiming it is acting unconstitutionally. Legal experts suggest that Harvard has recourse to challenge the revocation of its SEVP certification, which could not be done on ideological grounds according to the regulations. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address perceived "anti-Semitic" activity on college campuses and to exert more control over universities' policies and funding.