In a dramatic escalation of tensions with Harvard University, the Trump administration has revoked the Ivy League school’s ability to enroll international students.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday accused Harvard of fostering an unsafe campus environment, claiming it allowed “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to assault Jewish students.
The agency also alleged that the university has collaborated with the Chinese Communist Party, including hosting and training members of a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024.
“This means Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” the department stated. The decision affects nearly 6,800 international students currently enrolled at Harvard’s Cambridge, Massachusetts campus—more than a quarter of the student body. Most are graduate students from over 100 countries.
The move effectively forces these students to find alternative schools or leave the United States, creating immediate uncertainty and disruption.
Harvard strongly rejected the allegations, calling the government’s move unlawful and politically motivated.
In a statement, the university said, “This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.” University officials say they are working to guide affected students and are exploring legal avenues to challenge the decision.
