The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a stern warning to Harvard University, threatening to revoke its ability to enroll international students unless the institution complies with a series of government demands. These include submitting to political oversight and disclosing detailed information about its foreign student population. In a sharply worded letter, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard’s international students of engaging in “illegal and violent activities” and demanded the university provide records of any threats, disruptions, or disciplinary actions linked to protests or campus unrest. The university was given until April 30 to comply or risk losing its certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
President Trump has expressed outrage at Harvard for resisting government control over its admissions, hiring, and political positions. On top of the funding cuts, the administration is reportedly considering revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status. According to CNN, the Internal Revenue Service is preparing a final decision on the matter. In response, Harvard stated it is aware of the letter and reiterated its refusal to yield to political pressure, warning that stripping its nonprofit status would harm student financial aid and jeopardize vital research programs. Human rights advocates have condemned the administration’s actions, citing serious concerns over free speech and academic freedom.
The letter also accused Harvard of fostering a “hostile learning environment” for Jewish students and emphasized that the presence of foreign students at the university is “a privilege, not a guarantee.” In addition to the threat against its SEVP certification, Noem announced the cancellation of over $2.7 million in federal grants, claiming Harvard’s leadership enables extremism and undermines national security. This move follows a broader crackdown by President Donald Trump on pro-Palestinian activism in U.S. schools, which has already led to funding freezes at other major universities including Columbia, Princeton, and Cornell.
