Kristi Noem Halts Harvard Foreign Student Enrollment Over Safety Concerns

Administration Targets Harvard’s Campus Environment

On May 22, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, citing serious concerns about the campus environment. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision, stating that Harvard has fostered violence, anti-Semitism, and coordinated with the Chinese Communist Party. This action affects nearly 6,800 foreign students, who make up over 27% of Harvard’s enrollment, requiring them to transfer to other institutions or lose their legal status in the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, which allows universities to sponsor international student visas. Noem emphasized that hosting foreign students is a privilege, not a right, and accused Harvard of creating an unsafe environment by permitting anti-American and pro-terrorist agitators to harass Jewish students. The administration’s move follows Harvard’s refusal to fully comply with demands for detailed records on foreign students’ alleged illegal activities, escalating a months-long standoff.

Escalating Tensions and Financial Impact

The decision marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s campaign against Harvard, which has faced over $2.6 billion in federal funding cuts since April. Noem had demanded records on foreign students’ protest activities, giving Harvard a 72-hour deadline to comply or risk losing its certification. Harvard provided some information on April 30 but was deemed non-compliant, prompting the revocation. The administration’s actions align with President Donald Trump’s broader push to hold universities accountable for campus safety and alignment with American values.

Harvard’s leadership, including President Alan Garber, called the move unlawful and retaliatory, asserting the university’s commitment to hosting international students from over 140 countries. The financial implications are severe, as international students contribute significantly to Harvard’s revenue through higher tuition payments.

Broader Implications for Higher Education

The revocation has sparked concerns about the future of international education in the United States. Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, described the action as an overreach, highlighting its potential to disrupt Harvard’s academic mission. The administration has signaled that other universities could face similar scrutiny, with Noem stating, ‘This should be a warning to every other university to get your act together.’ This move follows earlier actions, including a $60 million grant termination by the Department of Health and Human Services for Harvard’s failure to address anti-Semitic harassment.

The Trump administration’s focus on Harvard reflects a commitment to rooting out perceived anti-American influences in higher education. Congressional Republicans have raised concerns about ties between U.S. universities and China, citing Harvard’s alleged training of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in 2024. As legal battles continue, the administration remains steadfast in its mission to ensure universities prioritize campus safety and national interests, reshaping the landscape of American higher education.