The Trump administration on Thursday informed Harvard University it had revoked the school’s ability to enroll international students, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced.
American colleges are required by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to be certified through its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to host international students. The program formally allows students to apply for a visa to study in the U.S.
Noem informed the school, however, its SEVP certificate had been revoked.
“This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus,” she wrote via X. “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”
Noem shared a letter addressed to Harvard, explaining the decision was due to the school’s “insufficient response” to the administration’s requests to limit the power of students and faculty over its actions and to immediately report foreign students who violate campus conduct. She noted, however, the school may regain its certification by supplying DHS with criminal records relating to “nonimmigrant” students at the school.
Neither Harvard nor DHS responded to a request for comment from The National News Desk Thursday.
The move represents a major escalation in the ongoing spat between Harvard and the Trump administration. The Trump administration has paused approximately $2.2 billion in federal funding to the school so far.
President Donald Trump has also promised to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, writing via Truth Social “it’s what they deserve.”

Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.