In a sweeping and controversial move, the Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s certification to enroll international students, effectively barring the institution from admitting individuals under F-1 and J-1 visa categories for the 2025–2026 academic year.

The decision was announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who stated on X that Harvard had failed to comply with federal requirements under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Noem described the revocation as a warning to academic institutions nationwide. Harvard swiftly condemned the decision, calling it "unlawful" and a threat to the university’s educational mission. “We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard's ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University and this nation immeasurably,” the university said in a statement.

The Department of Homeland Security has given Harvard 72 hours to comply with a list of demands in order to potentially restore its certification. These demands include handling over disciplinary records and surveillance material of international students alleged to be involved in “illegal” or “dangerous” activities.

This action follows a broader campaign by the Trump administration targeting higher education institutions over issues ranging from alleged antisemitism to concerns about campus safety. Earlier this year, Harvard filed a lawsuit challenging what it described as excessive and politically motivated federal oversight. The administration later retracted a list of demands, claiming it had been sent in error, but tensions have continued to escalate.

The implications of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program revocation are significant. Harvard hosts more than 6,700 international students, who now face uncertainty regarding their legal status and academic future. Under current rules, these students must transfer to other Student and Exchange Visitor Program certified institutions or risk falling out of status.

The move has drawn criticism from academic and civil liberties organizations, who argue that it undermines educational freedom and international collaboration. A separate federal court ruling in California has temporarily blocked the administration from canceling legal status for international students across the U.S. while litigation proceeds.

Harvard has indicated that it is mobilizing legal and administrative resources to support affected students and challenge the administration’s action through the courts.