Trump Admin Strips Harvard’s SEVP Status

On May 22, 2025, the Trump administration made a controversial move as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officially stripped Harvard University of its SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) status. This action, under the headline “Trump Admin Strips Harvard’s SEVP Status,” prevents Harvard from enrolling new international students and forces nearly 6,800 currently enrolled international students to either transfer, leave the country, or risk losing their legal immigration status within 30 days.

Thousands of students from countries like China, India, Germany, Nigeria, and Brazil—students who have centered their academic and professional lives around Harvard—are disrupted by this policy change. Their contributions to the local community, campus life, and research are now in jeopardy.

In Cambridge, where international students are an important source of income, the decision also jeopardizes the city’s financial stability. Local companies like eateries, bookshops, and housing providers may suffer large losses as a result of the more than $40 billion that international students contribute to the American economy each year.

Allegations Against Harvard

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the decision on Fox News. She claimed Harvard had failed to provide a safe academic space. According to her, the university tolerated antisemitism and worked with Chinese Communist Party-affiliated programs.

Noem pointed to recent campus protests criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza. Some demonstrations used inflammatory language. DHS claims Harvard didn’t do enough to protect Jewish students or prevent hate speech. Additionally, anonymous sources accused faculty of collaborating with Chinese institutions involved in intellectual property theft.

Harvard rejected these accusations. The university called the move politically motivated and unlawful. President Alan Garber emphasized Harvard’s stand against antisemitism and commitment to inclusion. He defended the university’s support for free speech and academic freedom.

Broader Context: The Trump Administration’s Crackdown on Academia

Harvard is not the only target. The action fits into a broader campaign by President Donald Trump’s administration to tighten control over universities. The administration often accuses elite schools of pushing liberal ideologies, enabling foreign influence, and tolerating unrest.

This effort includes threatening to cut federal funding. Schools that refuse to adjust their diversity and inclusion policies face financial penalties. Columbia, Cornell, and Princeton have already faced investigations or funding freezes.

Last month, Harvard became the first to reject new federal demands tied to funding. As a result, the government froze over $2 billion in grants and began proceedings to revoke the school’s tax-exempt status. Meanwhile, Columbia agreed to policy changes and regained $400 million in federal contracts.

These moves signal a clear message: compliance is expected. Critics argue that this campaign undermines the independence of U.S. universities and erodes free thought.

Reaction From the Academic Community

Universities and academic leaders quickly condemned the DHS decision. Faculty, administrators, and student groups called it a dangerous overreach. Some Ivy League and Big Ten schools have proposed a joint response to defend university autonomy.

Civil rights organizations also stepped in. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) called the move “a blueprint for political control.” FIRE’s lead counsel, Tyler Coward, warned that institutions must act now to protect their independence.

University presidents held emergency meetings to review the legal risks. The American Council on Education (ACE) urged Congress to investigate. International partners also started reviewing their collaborations with U.S. schools, citing growing political instability in American education policy.

Impact on International Students and Higher Education

International students face the harshest consequences. Many had planned for years to attend Harvard. They invested savings, earned scholarships, and left their home countries for a chance to study in the U.S. Now, they risk losing everything.

Degrees are on hold. Research and internships may not continue. Job offers may disappear. Some students now fear deportation despite doing nothing wrong.

The broader message is also troubling. For decades, the U.S. led global education. Now, this decision raises doubts about that reputation. Students and families may look elsewhere if studying in the U.S. seems uncertain or risky.

Other countries are responding. Schools in Canada, the UK, and Australia are offering scholarships and fast-track visas. They see an opportunity to attract top students fleeing American instability.

The Legal Battle Ahead

Harvard plans to fight the DHS decision in court. Legal experts believe the university has a solid case. If Harvard can show political bias or a lack of clear justification, it could win.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has offered legal support. They believe the move violates due process and First Amendment rights.

While DHS can revoke SEVP status, it must provide solid evidence. So far, critics argue that the administration has not shared enough proof. Allegations of antisemitism and foreign ties need stronger documentation.

The courts will decide whether the administration acted lawfully. But the case could set long-lasting precedents about how much control future presidents can have over higher education.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for U.S. Universities

The action taken by the US government against Harvard is a watershed. It brings up important issues regarding government overreach, academic freedom, and America’s place in the world of education.

Universities have to choose between complying and resisting. International students need to reevaluate their expectations. The values that American society wants its institutions to uphold must also be considered.

The impact of this ruling is already evident: American higher education has entered a new and uncertain era, regardless of whether the courts overturn it or not.