In a seismic move with global academic implications, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Secretary Kristi Noem has revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), barring it from enrolling international students. The decision affects nearly 6,800 students—including 800 from India—many of whom now face deportation unless they transfer to other institutions within days.
An Ivy League Shock: DHS Closes Harvard’s Doors to Foreign Students
In an unprecedented escalation, the Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s authorization to host international students, citing campus unrest, alleged anti-American protests, and failure to maintain public safety. The revocation of SEVP certification halts new F-1 and J-1 visa issuances for Harvard-bound students and places current students at risk of losing legal immigration status unless they secure transfers within a tight 72-hour window.
The move follows the termination of $2.7 million in DHS grants to the university last month, further deepening tensions between the federal government and one of America’s most prestigious institutions. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued the directive, accusing Harvard of neglecting its duty to ensure campus safety and failing to adequately monitor protest activities—particularly those involving non-immigrant students.
The DHS has demanded Harvard furnish extensive documentation, including protest footage, disciplinary records, and data related to any threats or violent behavior by international students in the past five years.
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6,800 Students in Crisis: Academic Dreams Hang by a Thread
The fallout is immediate and widespread. Harvard’s international cohort—comprising over 120 nationalities—is now in academic and legal limbo. Students currently in the U.S. under F-1 and J-1 visas must transfer to another SEVP-certified institution or risk deportation.
For Indian students, who make up a significant portion of Harvard’s graduate and doctoral programs, the decision is devastating. “We planned years for this opportunity,” said Priya Mehta, a second-year doctoral student from Mumbai. “Now, we may lose everything in a matter of days.”
Harvard’s access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the digital platform critical for maintaining visa compliance, has also been suspended. This prevents the university from updating or issuing necessary records that allow foreign students to legally remain in the U.S.
Legal experts warn that the move may set a dangerous precedent, enabling political interference in higher education institutions under the guise of national security. Several civil rights groups and academic bodies have already called for judicial intervention, with lawsuits expected to challenge the DHS action on constitutional grounds.
Harvard’s Response and the Battle Ahead
Faced with a 72-hour deadline to comply with DHS demands, Harvard has not yet publicly commented on whether it will submit the extensive student records sought by the government. Compliance could invite backlash over privacy violations and trust erosion within its diverse student body; refusal could render it indefinitely barred from enrolling international students.
The conditions outlined by the DHS are sweeping and invasive. They require submission of all audio, video, and written records related to any “dangerous or violent activity” by international students—regardless of whether the activity took place on or off-campus, or whether it was criminal in nature.
Critics argue the demands infringe on civil liberties, especially the right to peaceful protest. “This is not just about student visas,” said Rachel Levinson-Waldman of the Brennan Center for Justice. “It’s about weaponizing immigration authority to suppress dissent and control academic spaces.”
Meanwhile, students are scrambling to find alternatives, often with little guidance or institutional support. The uncertainty has prompted intervention from some embassies, including India’s, which has reportedly reached out to U.S. authorities seeking clarity and assistance.
What Comes Next: Legal, Diplomatic, and Academic Fallout
The long-term implications could be profound—not just for Harvard, but for America’s standing in global higher education. If the decision stands, it may deter top international talent from applying to U.S. universities, affecting enrollment, diversity, and the intellectual capital pipeline.
Legal analysts believe Harvard will likely seek a court injunction to delay enforcement, citing breach of due process and violations of federal education laws. Some states, particularly Massachusetts, may join the legal fight, positioning this case as a broader battle over federal overreach and academic autonomy.