The Trump administration on the 22nd revoked Harvard University's right to enroll foreign students, a move that will have a major impact on Harvard University.
According to the Associated Press, the Trump administration informed Harvard University that thousands of foreign students must transfer schools, or they will lose their legal residency in the U.S.
Currently, Harvard enrolls nearly 6,800 international students, most of whom are attending graduate programs. These students may now need to urgently plan their next steps.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Noem stated in a letter that the Department of Homeland Security took action because Harvard failed to fully comply with the requirements to provide information on foreign students. Noem accused the school of "continuing to create an unsafe and hostile campus environment for Jewish students, promoting sympathetic thoughts toward Hamas, and implementing racially discriminatory 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' (DEI) policies."
Does the government have the authority to control Harvard's admissions?
Harvard can enroll international students, but the U.S. government has the authority to decide who can enter the country. The Department of Homeland Security manages which universities participate in the 'Student and Exchange Visitor Information System' (SEVIS). SEVIS authorizes universities to issue documentation for admitted foreign students, which students can then use to apply for a study visa in the U.S.
Can international students currently attending Harvard graduate?
Students currently completing their studies at Harvard this semester will be allowed to graduate. Noem stated in a letter that the new measures will take effect in the 2025-2026 academic year. Harvard University's class of 2025 is expected to graduate next week.
However, Noem also stated that students who have not completed their studies need to transfer, or else they will lose their legal status to stay in the U.S.
Can students already admitted to Harvard enroll in the fall?
No, unless the Trump administration changes its decision or a court intervenes. Noem stated that Harvard University can regain SEVIS qualification within 72 hours if it meets a series of requirements, including providing relevant information, such as conduct records of international students, and recordings and videos related to protests.
Noem said the school previously failed to provide this information. On the 22nd, the school stated that it is working to provide guidance to the affected students. (Source: Central News Agency)