Harvard Threatened With Foreign Student Ban By Trump Administration
Harvard University is facing escalating pressure from the Trump administration, which is threatening to revoke its ability to enroll international students unless it hands over records about foreign visa holders allegedly involved in “illegal and violent activities.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned that failure to comply by April 30th could cost Harvard its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification — a move that would block new international students from attending. The university has also already lost two federal grants worth $2.7 million, with billions more in frozen funding hanging in the balance.
The dispute comes as the administration cracks down on universities where pro-Palestinian protests have erupted in response to Israel’s war in Gaza. Noem accused Harvard of fostering an “anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology” and creating a “hostile learning environment” for Jewish students. Trump has openly attacked the university, calling it “a JOKE” and claiming it teaches “Hate and Stupidity.” The administration is also pushing schools to overhaul their admissions, hiring, and diversity policies, and has threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status.
Harvard has rejected the demands, insisting it will not “surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.” The university says it will comply with the law, but expects the government to base any action on “clear evidence” and follow proper legal procedures. Rights advocates have warned the crackdown is eroding academic freedom and free speech, and the standoff shows no signs of cooling.
