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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), barring the university from enrolling new international students. The decision, announced Thursday in Washington, comes amid government claims of campus unrest, antisemitic incidents, and alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Current international students must transfer or risk losing their legal status. Harvard strongly denies the allegations and plans to challenge the move legally.

Homeland Security Cites Campus Security and Foreign Ties

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem explained the decision by pointing to unchecked antisemitism, violent activism, and connections with the Chinese Communist Party on Harvard’s campus. “Hosting international students is a privilege,” Noem said. “It should not be used to expand billion-dollar endowments while ignoring serious threats.”

The letter from DHS accuses Harvard of failing to address these issues, raising concerns about campus safety and national security. The department demanded documentation related to alleged unlawful activities by international students earlier this year. Harvard reportedly did not meet the compliance deadline, prompting the revocation.

Harvard Denies Claims and Plans Legal Challenge

Harvard University condemned the decision as unlawful and politically motivated. University officials emphasized their commitment to safety, diversity, and academic freedom. Harvard President Alan Garber stated the university would pursue all available legal options to restore the certification.

“This move threatens our global mission and the future of thousands of students,” Garber said. The university called for a fair review process and highlighted the importance of international students to its academic community.

Rising Tensions Between Federal Government and Universities

This decision reflects ongoing friction between the federal government and elite universities, particularly those with liberal reputations like Harvard. Recent years saw the government impose stricter controls on campus policies and funding.

The Trump administration had previously frozen federal funding for Harvard, triggering backlash from university leadership. Garber himself took a salary cut in response to the financial strain caused by federal pressure.

Impact on Thousands of International Students and University Finances

Harvard hosts approximately 6,800 international students, about 27% of its total enrollment, a figure that has steadily increased from 20% in 2010. These students contribute significantly to Harvard’s finances through higher tuition fees and enhance its global reputation.

The visa suspension risks disrupting the education of many students, forcing them to transfer or leave the country. It may also impact Harvard’s international collaborations and research projects, raising concerns about the university’s future role in global education.

Experts Warn of Broader Implications

Cyrus Levine, an immigration policy analyst, notes, “This decision could set a precedent affecting other universities and their international student programs. It highlights the growing intersection of national security concerns and immigration policy.”

Levine added that universities must navigate complex political pressures while maintaining open, safe campuses for all students. He expects legal battles to continue as Harvard challenges DHS’s ruling.

Market and Community Reactions

The announcement caused unease in academic circles and among international education advocates. Many stress the importance of global student exchanges for innovation and cultural understanding.

Harvard’s reputation as a leading academic institution is at stake, with observers watching closely how the legal dispute unfolds. The university community remains hopeful that dialogue and negotiation can restore normal operations.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s revocation of Harvard’s international student visa certification marks a significant escalation in federal oversight of universities. The decision affects thousands of students and challenges Harvard’s global academic role. As Harvard prepares to fight the ruling legally, the broader conversation on campus security, foreign influence, and academic freedom is intensifying.