The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on the 22nd that the U.S. government has prohibited Harvard University from admitting international students effective immediately. In response, Harvard University stated that this action by the government is "illegal."
According to a report by China News Service, on the same day, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated in a letter to Harvard University that the university's Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification has been revoked effective immediately.
Noem stated that the revocation of this certification means that Harvard University is prohibited from admitting any foreign students holding either F or J non-immigrant visas for the 2025-2026 academic year. Furthermore, current foreign students holding these visas must transfer to another institution or they will no longer maintain their legal status.
Noem also indicated on social media that Harvard University faced this decision due to non-compliance with related requirements and must be held accountable for fostering campus violence and anti-Semitism. This case serves as a warning for other universities across the United States.
In response, Harvard University stated in a declaration that the U.S. government's action to revoke the university's ability to enroll international students is "illegal" and that the university is committed to preserving its capacity to enroll international students and visiting scholars.
Harvard University emphasized that students and scholars from over 140 countries have made tremendous contributions to both the university and American society. The administration contends that this "retaliatory action" by the government could threaten the school's academic and research mission. The university is currently taking immediate action to provide guidance and support to affected individuals.
Since January this year, Harvard University has been under continuous pressure from the U.S. government, including the announcement of a freeze on $2.2 billion in federal funds, considerations of a $1 billion funding freeze, threats to revoke international students' visas, and threats to strip the university of its "tax-exempt status." Previously, Harvard University had initiated a lawsuit against the federal government, accusing it of attempting to control the university’s academic decisions by means of freezing federal funds, and is seeking a judge's ruling to overturn the government's decision to suspend all funding to the university.